In vitro uptake of 14C-labeled amino acids by preparations of partially purified Anaplasma marginale bodies

Studies on the incorporation of three (14)C-labeled amino acids into preparations of partially purified Anaplasma marginale were conducted. Relatively high levels of uptake of radioactive isoleucine, glycine, and methionine were detected in both trichloroacetic acid-soluble and -insoluble fractions of these preparations, indicating that the parasite is capable of protein synthesis outside its erythrocytic environment. When erythrocytes (red blood cells) from infected calves were incubated with [(14)C]methionine and Anaplasma bodies were subsequently purified, it was found that some of the label detected was associated with the marginal bodies.