Ultrastructural observations on the merocyst and gametocytes of Hepatocystis spp. from Malaysian squirrels

An immature merocyst of Hepatocystis malayensis and gametocytes of H. brayi were studied with the electron microscope. The merocyst consisted of a highly complex cytoplasmic reticulum ramifying through an amorphous matrix: the entire complex was enclosed by a simple unit membrane. The host cell was apparently destroyed completely during growth of the cyst. Immature gametocytes were highly amoeboid and showed extensive vacuolisation or attenuation of the cytoplasm. The nucleus contained one or two prominent nucleoli. Mature gametocytes had compact cytoplasm and contained pyriform osmiophilic bodies which were believed to function in the release of the parasites from the host cells. Macrogametocytes were distinguished from microgametocytes by cytoplasmic differences in numbers of ribosomes, and cristate mitochondria and in the extent of development of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The compact nuclei of the macrogametocytes had inconspicuous DNA but prominent nucleoli whereas those of the microgametocytes were irregular and showed a central aggregate of DNA. In microgametogenesis karyokinesis of the parent nucleus was delayed until axoneme formation was complete. Then the nuclear buds were extruded into emerging microgametes. At fertilisation the plasmalemmas of the two gametes fused and the single axoneme and nucleus of the microgamete moved into the cytoplasm of the macrogamete.