Journal article
Correlative and dynamic imaging of the hatching biology of Schistosoma japonicum from eggs prepared by high pressure freezing
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Vol.2(11), e334
2008
Abstract
Background: Schistosome eggs must traverse tissues of the intestine or bladder to escape the human host and further the life cycle. Escape from host tissues is facilitated by secretion of immuno-reactive molecules by eggs and the formation of an intense strong granulomatous response by the host which acts to exclude the egg into gut or bladder lumens. Schistosome eggs hatch on contact with freshwater, but the mechanisms of activation and hatching are poorly understood. In view of the lack of knowledge of the behaviour of egg hatching in schistosomes, we undertook a detailed dynamic and correlative study of the hatching biology of Schistosoma japonicum. Methodology/Principal Findings: Hatching eggs of S. japonicum were studied using correlative light and electron microscopy (EM). The hatching behaviour was recorded by video microscopy. EM preparative methods incorporating high pressure freezing and cryo-substitution were used to investigate ultrastructural features of the miracidium and extra-embryonic envelopes in pre-activated and activated eggs, and immediately after eggshell rupture. Lectin cytochemistry was performed on egg tissues to investigate subcellular location of specific carbohydrate groups. Conclusions/Significance: The hatching of S. japonicum eggs is a striking phenomenon, whereby the larva is liberated explosively while still encapsulated within its sub-shell envelopes. The major alterations that occur in the egg during activation are scission of the outer envelope-eggshell boundary, autolysis of the cellular inner envelope, and likely hydration of abundant complex and simple polysaccharides in the lacunal space between the miracidial larva and surrounding envelopes. These observations on hatching provide insight into the dynamic activity of the eggs and the biology of schistosomes within the host.
Details
- Title
- Correlative and dynamic imaging of the hatching biology of Schistosoma japonicum from eggs prepared by high pressure freezing
- Authors/Creators
- M.K. Jones (Author/Creator) - QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteS-H Bong (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityK.M. Green (Author/Creator) - The University of QueenslandP. Holmes (Author/Creator) - QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteM. Duke (Author/Creator) - QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteA. Loukas (Author/Creator) - QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteD.P. McManus (Author/Creator) - QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
- Publication Details
- PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Vol.2(11), e334
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science
- Identifiers
- 991005542577507891
- Copyright
- © 2008 Jones et al.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.163 Parasitology - General
- 1.163.446 Schistosomiasis
- Web Of Science research areas
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Tropical Medicine
- ESI research areas
- Immunology