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. 1991 Jan;59(1):464–466. doi: 10.1128/iai.59.1.464-466.1991

Differential expression of Trypanosoma cruzi neuraminidase in intra- and extracellular trypomastigotes.

I A Rosenberg 1, R P Prioli 1, J S Mejia 1, M E Pereira 1
PMCID: PMC257767  PMID: 1987062

Abstract

The developmentally regulated expression of Trypanosoma cruzi neuraminidase in culture cells was monitored by immunofluorescence with a monoclonal antibody (TCN-2) against the enzyme. The results showed that TCN-2 reacted with all intracellular trypomastigote forms (NA+) but not with amastigotes. Immunoprecipitation of radiolabeled neuraminidase confirmed TCN-2 reactivity with trypomastigotes and the specificity of the antibody binding. During exiting from the host cells, all trypomastigotes were still NA+. However, when free in the extracellular environment, the relative proportion of NA+ parasites declined from 100% to about 20%, thereby establishing a subpopulation of trypomastigotes which did not express enzyme (NA-). The expression of neuraminidase in all intracellular trypomastigotes and in only a subpopulation of the extracellular counterpart suggests that the enzyme may play a role in parasite exiting from infected cells.

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Selected References

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