Abstract
We have investigated the mechanisms used by Trichomonas vaginalis to damage cellular membranes, using human erythrocytes as target cells. Haemolysis is a contact- and temperature-dependent phenomenon, and is inhibited in 4 mM EGTA. Osmotic protection experiments using carbohydrates with different molecular diameters as protectants demonstrated that the cytolytic activity of T. vaginalis is inhibited in 75 mM stachyose. On the basis of our data, we hypothesize a cytopathic mechanism mediated by the formation of functional pores into the target membrane. Some of the Trichomonas protein involved in haemolysis have been immunologically characterized.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Carbohydrates / pharmacology
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Erythrocyte Membrane / drug effects
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Erythrocyte Membrane / parasitology
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Erythrocyte Membrane / ultrastructure
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Female
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Hemolysis / drug effects
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Hemolysis / physiology*
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Humans
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In Vitro Techniques
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Models, Biological
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Molecular Weight
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Osmosis
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Protozoan Proteins / isolation & purification
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Protozoan Proteins / metabolism
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Trichomonas Vaginitis / etiology
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Trichomonas Vaginitis / parasitology
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Trichomonas vaginalis / isolation & purification
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Trichomonas vaginalis / pathogenicity*
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Trichomonas vaginalis / physiology
Substances
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Carbohydrates
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Protozoan Proteins