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Intracellular behaviour of Leishmania enriettii within murine macrophages
Experientia
|May 15, 1978
Abstract:
Both promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania enriettii were readily ingested by mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM). Promastigotes after their entry within MPM were rapidly immobilized and their multiplication was never observed. Microscopic examination revealed that ingested promastigotes were degraded with MPM. Nonmotile amastigotes of L. enriettii taken up by MPM, on the other hand, multiplied intracellularly and eventually destroyed the infected cells.
Insights
Mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM) readily ingest Leishmania enriettii. While promastigotes are degraded, amastigotes multiply within MPM, leading to cell destruction.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Leishmania enriettii is an important parasite.
- Macrophages are key immune cells involved in parasite clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fate of Leishmania enriettii promastigotes and amastigotes within mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM).
Main Methods:
- In vitro culture of Leishmania enriettii.
- Phagocytosis assays using mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM).
- Microscopic examination of infected macrophages.
Main Results:
- Both promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania enriettii were ingested by MPM.
- Promastigotes were immobilized, not observed to multiply, and degraded within MPM.
- Amastigotes multiplied intracellularly within MPM, causing eventual cell destruction.
Conclusions:
- Leishmania enriettii promastigotes are effectively cleared by mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM).
- Leishmania enriettii amastigotes survive and replicate intracellularly within MPM, leading to host cell death, indicating a difference in intracellular fate based on parasite stage.