Nippostrongylus brasiliensis: the effect of mitochondnal inhibitors on life-cycle stages

Parasitology ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Fry ◽  
D. C. Jenkins
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Electron Transport ◽  
Oxidative Phosphorylation ◽  
Adult Worm ◽  
Nippostrongylus Brasiliensis ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Mitochondrial Inhibitors ◽  
Life Cycle Stages ◽  
Transport Inhibitors

SUMMARYThe effects of mitochondrial inhibitors on the in vitro development of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis have been studied in free-living and parasitic life-cycle stages. Mitochondrial inhibitors were chosen as being representative of established electron transport inhibitors and oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors and uncouplers of the classical mammalian respiratory chain. All mitochondrial inhibitors tested were highly effective in killing or retarding development of free-living stages of N. brasiliensis. Free-living stages were particularly susceptible to such inhibitors upon hatching of embryonated eggs to 1st-stage larvae. Concentrations of inhibitors effective against free-living stages were consistent with their level of inhibition against isolated mitochondria from embryonated eggs and 3rd-stage infective larvae. Results suggest an absolute requirement in the development of free-living stages for the mammalian-like respiratory chain and associated oxidative phosphorylation. Electron transport inhibitors were effective in retarding at least the initial development of 4th-stage larvae to adults, but only antimycin A and azide produced a lasting effect leading to worm death. Oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors and uncouplers were ineffective against developing parasitic stages of N. brasiliensis. Experiments on whole-worm respiration indicated that most electron transport inhibitors were able to penetrate the adult worm, but oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors were without effect on whole-worm respiration. Results suggest that the mammalian-like electron transport chain is a necessary requirement to adult N. brasiliensis, but oxidative phosphorylation in the adult worm may not be required for development and survival in vitro although it could be necessary to support the parasite in vivo.

Autonomy and integration in complex parasite life cycles

Parasitology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 143 (14) ◽  
pp. 1824-1846 ◽  
Author(s):  
DANIEL P. BENESH
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Complex Life Cycle ◽  
Functional Specialization ◽  
Life Stages ◽  
Free Living ◽  
New Host ◽  
Complex Life Cycles ◽  
Life Cycle Stages

SUMMARYComplex life cycles are common in free-living and parasitic organisms alike. The adaptive decoupling hypothesis postulates that separate life cycle stages have a degree of developmental and genetic autonomy, allowing them to be independently optimized for dissimilar, competing tasks. That is, complex life cycles evolved to facilitate functional specialization. Here, I review the connections between the different stages in parasite life cycles. I first examine evolutionary connections between life stages, such as the genetic coupling of parasite performance in consecutive hosts, the interspecific correlations between traits expressed in different hosts, and the developmental and functional obstacles to stage loss. Then, I evaluate how environmental factors link life stages through carryover effects, where stressful larval conditions impact parasites even after transmission to a new host. There is evidence for both autonomy and integration across stages, so the relevant question becomes how integrated are parasite life cycles and through what mechanisms? By highlighting how genetics, development, selection and the environment can lead to interdependencies among successive life stages, I wish to promote a holistic approach to studying complex life cycle parasites and emphasize that what happens in one stage is potentially highly relevant for later stages.

The relevance of in vitro anthelmintic screening tests employing the free-living stages of trichostrongylid nematodes

1984 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
O.F. Ibarra ◽  
D.C. Jenkings
Keyword(s):  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Haemonchus Contortus ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Nippostrongylus Brasiliensis ◽  
Good Activity ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Ostertagia Ostertagi ◽  
Nematospiroides Dubius ◽  
Antiparasitic Agents

AbstractThe response of the free-living stages of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Nematospiroides dubius, Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Ostertagia ostertagi to a wide variety of antiparasitic agents in vitro was investigated.All the major broad spectrum veterinary anthelmintics showed good activity against each of these worms with EC30 values varying from about 00002mg/1 for certain benzimidazoles and ivermectin to about 6–5 mg/1 for febantel. Of 22 known narrow spectrum anthelmintics useful only against H. contortus and/or helminths other than trichostrongyles, only 10% showed good activity at concentrations equal to or less than 100mg/1. Further, only one of 15 antiprotozoal agents showed good activity in these tests at the 100mg/1 level.

scholarly journals Mitochondrial damage: a possible mechanism of the “topical” phase of NSAID induced injury to the rat intestine

Gut ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Somasundaram ◽  
S Rafi ◽  
J Hayllar ◽  
G Sigthorsson ◽  
M Jacob ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Small Intestine ◽  
Electron Transport ◽  
Oxidative Phosphorylation ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Tolerability Profile ◽  
Marker Enzyme ◽  
Subcellular Organelle

Background—The “topical” effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) seems to be an important cause of NSAID induced gastrointestinal damage.Aim—To examine the possible mechanism of the “topical” phase of damage in the small intestine.Methods—Electron microscopy and subcellular organelle marker enzyme studies were done in rat small intestine after oral administration of indomethacin (doses varied between 5 and 30 mg/kg). The effect of conventional and non-acidic NSAIDs on rat liver mitochondrial respiration was measured in vitro in a Clarke-type oxygen electrode.Results—The subcellular organelle marker enzymes showed mitochondrial and brush border involvement within an hour of indomethacin administration. Electron microscopy showed dose dependent mitochondrial changes following indomethacin administration consistent with uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation (or inhibition of electron transport) which were indistinguishable from those seen with the uncoupler dinitrophenol. Parenteral indomethacin caused similar changes, but not in rats with ligated bile ducts. A range of NSAIDs, but not paracetamol or non-acidic NSAIDs which have a favourable gastrointestinal tolerability profile, uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation in vitro at micromolar concentrations and inhibited respiration at higher concentrations. In vivo studies with nabumetone and aspirin further suggested that uncoupling or inhibition of electron transport underlies the “topical” phase of NSAID induced damage.Conclusion—Collectively, these studies suggest that NSAID induced changes in mitochondrial energy production may be an important component of the “topical” phase of damage induction.

scholarly journals Developmental regulation of edited CYb and COIII mitochondrial mRNAs is achieved by distinct mechanisms in Trypanosoma brucei

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (15) ◽  
pp. 8704-8723
Author(s):  
Joseph T Smith Jr. ◽  
Eva Doleželová ◽  
Brianna Tylec ◽  
Jonathan E Bard ◽  
Runpu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Trypanosoma Brucei ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Developmental Regulation ◽  
Complex Life Cycle ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Developmentally Regulated ◽  
Life Cycle Stages

Abstract Trypanosoma brucei is a parasitic protozoan that undergoes a complex life cycle involving insect and mammalian hosts that present dramatically different nutritional environments. Mitochondrial metabolism and gene expression are highly regulated to accommodate these environmental changes, including regulation of mRNAs that require extensive uridine insertion/deletion (U-indel) editing for their maturation. Here, we use high throughput sequencing and a method for promoting life cycle changes in vitro to assess the mechanisms and timing of developmentally regulated edited mRNA expression. We show that edited CYb mRNA is downregulated in mammalian bloodstream forms (BSF) at the level of editing initiation and/or edited mRNA stability. In contrast, edited COIII mRNAs are depleted in BSF by inhibition of editing progression. We identify cell line-specific differences in the mechanisms abrogating COIII mRNA editing, including the possible utilization of terminator gRNAs that preclude the 3′ to 5′ progression of editing. By examining the developmental timing of altered mitochondrial mRNA levels, we also reveal transcript-specific developmental checkpoints in epimastigote (EMF), metacyclic (MCF), and BSF. These studies represent the first analysis of the mechanisms governing edited mRNA levels during T. brucei development and the first to interrogate U-indel editing in EMF and MCF life cycle stages.

scholarly journals The Life Cycle Stages of Pneumocystis murina Have Opposing Effects on the Immune Response to This Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen

2016 ◽  
Vol 84 (11) ◽  
pp. 3195-3205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather M. Evans ◽  
Grady L. Bryant ◽  
Beth A. Garvy
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Innate Immune Cells ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Life Cycle Stages ◽  
Ifn Γ

The cell wall β-glucans of Pneumocystis cysts have been shown to stimulate immune responses in lung epithelial cells, dendritic cells, and alveolar macrophages. Little is known about how the trophic life forms, which do not have a fungal cell wall, interact with these innate immune cells. Here we report differences in the responses of both neonatal and adult mice to the trophic and cystic life cycle stages of Pneumocystis murina . The adult and neonatal immune responses to infection with Pneumocystis murina trophic forms were less robust than the responses to infection with a physiologically normal mixture of cysts and trophic forms. Cysts promoted the recruitment of nonresident innate immune cells and T and B cells into the lungs. Cysts, but not trophic forms, stimulated increased concentrations of the cytokine gamma interferon (IFN-γ) in the alveolar spaces and an increase in the percentage of CD4 + T cells that produce IFN-γ. In vitro , bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) stimulated with cysts produced the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-6. In contrast, trophic forms suppressed antigen presentation to CD4 + T cells, as well as the β-glucan-, lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by BMDCs. The negative effects of trophic forms were not due to ligation of mannose receptor. Our results indicate that optimal innate and adaptive immune responses to Pneumocystis species are dependent on stimulation with the cyst life cycle stage. Conversely, trophic forms suppress β-glucan-induced proinflammatory responses in vitro , suggesting that the trophic forms dampen cyst-induced inflammation in vivo .

Morphological characterization ofCryptosporidium parvumlife-cycle stages in anin vitromodel system

Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. BOROWSKI ◽  
R. C. A. THOMPSON ◽  
T. ARMSTRONG ◽  
P. L. CLODE
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Morphological Characterization ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Epithelial Cell Line ◽  
Life Cycle Stages ◽  
Complete Life Cycle ◽  
Behavioural Characteristics

SUMMARYCryptosporidium parvumis a zoonotic protozoan parasite that mainly affects the ileum of humans and livestock, with the potential to cause severe enteric disease. We describe the complete life cycle ofC. parvumin anin vitrosystem. Infected cultures of the human ileocecal epithelial cell line (HCT-8) were observed over time using electron microscopy. Additional data are presented on the morphology, development and behavioural characteristics of the different life-cycle stages as well as determining their time of occurrence after inoculation. Numerous stages ofC. parvumand their behaviour have been visualized and morphologically characterized for the first time using scanning electron microscopy. Further, parasite-host interactions and the effect ofC. parvumon host cells were also visualized. An improved understanding of the parasite's biology, proliferation and interactions with host cells will aid in the development of treatments for the disease.

scholarly journals Neuroendocrine patterns underlying seasonal song and year-round territoriality in male black redstarts

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila P. Villavicencio ◽  
Harriet Windley ◽  
Pietro B. D’Amelio ◽  
Manfred Gahr ◽  
Wolfgang Goymann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Estrogen Receptor ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Territorial Behavior ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Estrogen Receptor Expression ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Life Cycle Stages ◽  
Song Control

Abstract Background The connection between testosterone and territoriality in free-living songbirds has been well studied in a reproductive context, but less so outside the breeding season. To assess the effects of seasonal androgenic action on territorial behavior, we analyzed vocal and non-vocal territorial behavior in response to simulated territorial intrusions (STIs) during three life-cycle stages in free-living male black redstarts: breeding, molt and nonbreeding. Concurrently, we measured changes in circulating testosterone levels, as well as the mRNA expression of androgen and estrogen receptors and aromatase in the preoptic, hypothalamic and song control brain areas that are associated with social and vocal behaviors. Results Territorial behavior and estrogen receptor expression in hypothalamic areas did not differ between stages. But plasma testosterone was higher during breeding than during the other stages, similar to androgen receptor and aromatase expression in the preoptic area. The expression of androgen receptors in the song control nucleus HVC was lower during molt when birds do not sing or sing rarely, but similar between the breeding and the nonbreeding stage. Nevertheless, some song spectral features and the song repertoire differed between breeding and nonbreeding. Territorial behavior and song rate correlated with the expression of steroid receptors in hypothalamic areas, and in the song control nucleus lMAN. Conclusions Our results demonstrate seasonal modulation of song, circulating testosterone levels, and brain sensitivity to androgens, but a year-round persistency of territorial behavior and estrogen receptor expression in all life-cycle stages. This suggests that seasonal variations in circulating testosterone concentrations and brain sensitivity to androgens is widely uncoupled from territorial behavior and song activity but might still affect song pattern. Our study contributes to the understanding of the complex comparative neuroendocrinology of song birds in the wild.

Brachylaima cribbi(Digenea: Brachylaimidae): scanning electron microscopical observations of the life-cycle stages

2002 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.R. Butcher ◽  
J.K. Brealey ◽  
D.I. Grove ◽  
R.B. Dymock
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Adult Worm ◽  
Genital Pore ◽  
Land Snails ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Mature Adult ◽  
Life Cycle Stages ◽  
Scanning Electron

AbstractBrachylaima cribbiis a recently described species of terrestrial trematode that infects mammals and birds with helicid land snails as its first and second intermediate hosts. The adult worm is 2.5–6.0 mm long by 0.5–0.8 mm wide being a long slender cylindrical worm with oral and ventral suckers in the anterior quarter and genital pore in the posterior quarter. Scanning electron microscopy shows that there is a dense covering of tegumental spines at the anterior end which diminishes towards the posterior extremities of the worm. Development of spines was observed in juvenile and mature adult worms. In young worms 1–3 weeks post infection (wpi) spines appear as buds with a serrated edge each having 1–4 spikes per spine. As the worm ages the spines broaden and by 5 wpi the number of spikes per spine increases to an average of 8.1. The serial development of oral sucker papillae in the cercaria, metacercaria and adult worm was observed with the finding of an elongated papilla with a bifurcated tip on the cercaria becoming a shorter and thicker elongated papilla with a large central stoma on the metacercaria. In the adult worm, this papilla becomes dome-shaped with a small central stoma. For some of these papillae a cilium could be seen extended from the central stoma. Other life-cycle stages illustrated were the hatched egg with an extruded egg membrane minus an operculum and a portion of the branched sporocyst dissected from the digestive gland of the land snailTheba pisanashowing a terminal birth pore. Scanning electron microscopy morphological features of the adult worm observed for the first time in aBrachylaimawere the unarmed cirrus extended from the genital pore with released sperm present and the Laurer's canal opening visible in tegumental folds on the dorsal surface approximately 300 μm posterior to the genital pore.

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