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Schizont-infected cell enrichment in rodent malaria
The Journal of Parasitology
|October 1, 1976
Summary
Researchers successfully separated Plasmodium-infected mouse erythrocytes using Stractan II density gradients. This method efficiently isolates schizont-infected cells without altering their morphology or infectivity.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Plasmodium parasites infect erythrocytes, causing malaria.
- Separating infected erythrocytes is crucial for studying parasite development and host-pathogen interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a method for isolating Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes.
- To assess the efficacy of Stractan II for erythrocyte separation.
Main Methods:
- Mouse erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium berghei or Plasmodium yoelii were used.
- Ultracentrifugation on discontinuous isodensity gradients of Stractan II was performed.
- Separated cell fractions were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Three distinct cell fractions were obtained after ultracentrifugation.
- The upper fraction contained over 90% of schizont-infected erythrocytes.
- Stractan II yielded results comparable to bovine serum albumin gradients.
- No morphological or physiological alterations were observed in the isolated cells.
Conclusions:
- Stractan II is an effective and non-damaging agent for separating Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes.
- This method provides a high yield of purified schizont-infected cells.
- The technique is suitable for further research into malaria parasite biology.