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Microscopic Observations on the Filopodia of Entamoeba histolytica *
Author(s) -
LUSHBAUGH WILLIAM B.,
PITTMAN FRED E.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
the journal of protozoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.067
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1550-7408
pISSN - 0022-3921
DOI - 10.1111/j.1550-7408.1979.tb02759.x
Subject(s) - filopodia , pinocytosis , cytoplasm , entamoeba histolytica , microbiology and biotechnology , endocytosis , biophysics , biology , amoeba (genus) , chemistry , cell , actin , biochemistry
SYNOPSIS Living Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites were examined by phase‐contrast microscopy. Intact critical point dried trophozoites were examined by transmission electron microscopy at an accelerating voltage of 1000 kV (HVEM) and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Half and quarter m̈ thick sections of epoxy‐embedded trophozoites were examined by HVEM. Many of the trophozoites of 2 strains examined had surface filopodia, 1 to over 100 pan in length. The cytoplasm of filopodia was continuous with the cytoplasm and bounded by surface plasmalemma bearing a glycocalyx. Structures called “surface‐active lysosomes with trigger,”“dendritic plasmalemmal extensions,” and “extra‐amebic vesicles” by previous investigators probably represent portions of filopodia demonstrated in the present study. Filopodia appear to be of frequent normal occurrence in E. histolytica and may function in: (a) endocytosis or pinocytosis; (b) exocytosis; (c) attachment to substratum; (d) penetration of tissue; (e) release of cytotoxic substances; or (f) contact cytolysis of host cells.