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[The ultrastructural changes of Sarcocystis ovifelis infested sheep tongue myofibrils]

A I Radchenko, T V Beĭer

    Tsitologiia
    |December 7, 2006
    PubMed

    Insights

    Structural changes in sheep myofibrils infected with Sarcocystis ovifelis were observed. The study details the destruction of actin and myosin filaments and the appearance of novel leptomeric fibrils.

    Area of Science:

    • Parasitology
    • Cell Biology
    • Muscle Physiology

    Context:

    • Sarcocystis ovifelis infection impacts sheep skeletal muscle.
    • Myofibril structure is crucial for muscle function.
    • Understanding parasite-host interactions at the cellular level is important.

    Purpose:

    • To investigate the structural alterations in sheep myofibrils caused by Sarcocystis ovifelis infection.
    • To characterize the morphology and potential function of newly observed leptomeric fibrils.

    Summary:

    • Sarcocystis ovifelis infection leads to the destruction of actin and myosin filaments and Z-disks within sheep myofibrils.
    • Protein bridges forming the myofibril complex disintegrate, resulting in free filaments and Z-disks.
    • Unique leptomeric fibrils, striated with 100 nm periodicity and composed of 5 nm diameter filaments, were identified between sarcocyst surface protrusions.

    Impact:

    • Provides insights into thePathogenesis of Sarcocystis ovifelis infection in sheep.
    • Highlights novel ultrastructural changes in infected muscle cells.
    • Suggests a potential role for leptomeric fibrils in metabolite transport.

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