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A hemolytic factor from Haemonchus contortus alters erythrocyte morphology
1Parasite Biology and Epidemiology Laboratory, Livestock and Poultry Sciences Institute, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, MD 20705, USA. rfetterer@ggpl.arsusda.gov
Veterinary Parasitology
|January 7, 1999
Summary
A Haemonchus contortus hemolytic factor alters sheep red blood cell (RBC) morphology, causing spherical shapes and surface projections. This factor also lyses RBCs from other mammals, suggesting a pore-forming mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Haemonchus contortus is a parasitic nematode affecting livestock.
- Red blood cells (RBCs) are crucial for oxygen transport.
- Understanding parasite-host interactions is vital for animal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a hemolytic factor from Haemonchus contortus on mammalian red blood cells.
- To characterize the morphological changes induced by the hemolytic factor.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action of the hemolytic factor.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of sheep RBCs with the H. contortus hemolytic factor for varying durations (15, 30, 90 min).
- Microscopic examination of RBC morphology using scanning electron microscopy.
- Testing the hemolytic activity of the factor on RBCs from different mammalian species.
Main Results:
- Distinct morphological changes in sheep RBCs, including spherical shape and surface projections (echinocytes), were observed.
- Hemolysis occurred after 30 min, with cells showing disruptions and holes.
- The hemolytic factor lysed RBCs from sheep, rabbits, goats, pigs, and calves, with varying rates.
Conclusions:
- The H. contortus hemolytic factor induces significant morphological alterations in mammalian RBCs.
- Results support a pore-forming mechanism, potentially involving enzymatic activity, for the hemolytic factor.
- The factor's lytic activity varies across different mammalian species.