Summary
Electron microscopy of erythrocytes infected by the malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, revealed electron dense, cone-shaped excrescences (∼40 mμ in height and ∼100 mμ in width) along the plasma membrane. These excrescences form focal junctions with the plasma membrane of reticular cells of the spleen. The resulting complexes appear to be responsible for sequestration of erythrocytes infected by P. falciparum in the spleen of the host.
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This work was in part supported by a Research Grant (AI-08970) from the U.S. Public Health Service and is contribution No. 969 from the Army Research Program on Malaria. Dr. Aikawa is a Research Career Development Awardee (AI-46237) from the U.S.P.H.S.
The authors wish to thank Dr. B. Tandler for his suggestions during the writing of this manuscript and Mr. M. Hale for his technical assistance.
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Aikawa, M., Rabbege, J.R. & Wellde, B.T. Junctional apparatus in erythrocytes infected with malarial parasites. Z. Zellforsch. 124, 72–75 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335455
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335455