Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates
Published on: January 27, 2019
Phagocytosis of Trypanosoma cruzi by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes
Abstract:
Phagocytosis of culture forms of Trypanosoma cruzi was assayed by a radioisotopic method. Purified polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) were mixed with 3H-uridine-labeled T. cruzi epimastigotes in the presence or absence of anti-T. cruzi antibodies. The reaction was stopped by adding N-ethyl-maleimide, and noningested parasites were lysed by complement. The percentage of radioactivity incorporated into the PMN pellet was recorded. The phagocytosis reaction was rapid, yielding maximum incorporation at 30 min at which point the radioactivity associated with the PMN cells decreased through release of the isotope to the supernatant. The degree of incorporation of radio-labeled parasites was a function of the effector/target cell ratio and the antibody concentration. The method is suitable for the quantitative determination of phagocytosis of T. cruzi by normal PMN.
Related Concept Videos
Phagocytosis
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Leishmaniasis
Toxoplasmosis
American Trypanosomiasis
Antiprotozoal Agents

