Variations induced by different methodologies in Trypanosoma cruzi surface antigen profiles

An attempt was made to reconcile published data on the cell surface profile of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes. Cloned parasites were used to compare the effects of centrifugal forces, radioiodination catalyst and protein solubilization methods on the autoradiographic profile of putative surface antigens. Harvesting and washing procedures, and antigen extraction methods, greatly influenced the results obtained, whilst the iodination catalyst was not of critical importance. Mobility in different gel electrophoresis systems, Western blots and partial proteolysis maps indicated that two previously described epimastigote-specific surface antigens (GP72 and Mr 75,000) possibly are distinct molecules.