Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The fine structure of the endogenous stages ofEimeria labbeana

4. Microgametogenesis

  • Published:
Zeitschrift für Parasitenkunde Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The fine structure of the microgamonts and microgametes ofEimeria labbeana from the columnar epithelial cells of the ileal mucosa of experimentally infected pigeons,Columba livia, has been described and compared with that of similar stages in other species ofEimeria. The microgamonts averaged 8.0×10.0 μm (6.7–8.4×9.0–11.4 μm), had a maximum number of 27 nuclei each (0.8–1.0×1.0–1.3 μm), and showed various stages of mitotic nuclear divisions without the appearance of detectable mitotic spindles. Modification of the membrane of some of the nuclei into spirally coiled structures containing granular bodies resembling autophagosomes were observed. One pair, and occasionally two pairs of centrioles with the typical (9+1) microtubular composition were seen in association with some of the nuclei. Polysaccharide granules were seen in only about 5% of the more than 2,000 microgramonts studied. Cytomere formation was not observed but development of microgametes in association with intra-cytoplasmic spaces, and surface invaginations was frequently seen.

Microgametes were elongate to slightly curved, averaged 3.1×1.2 μm (2.8–3.3×0.8–1.3 μm), and each was composed of an apical perforatorium, 2 basal bodies, 2 flagella, 4 microtubules representing a third but rudimentary flagellum, a row of more than 15 short microtubules located laterally in the apical region, a large nucleus (1.7×0.8 μm), and a mitochondrion. Subfibrillar composition of the basal body and basal-plate region was observed. The microgametes ofE. labbeana are the shortest and stoutest ever reported from the genusEimeria. The maximum number of microgametes detected from any one section was thirty.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

BB:

Basal body

BB1:

First basal body

BB2:

Second basal body

BP:

Basal plate region

C:

Centriole

CB:

Chromatin band

CR:

Cristae

CM:

Cell membrane

DN:

Daughter nuclei

EL:

Electron dense layer

ET:

Eccentric tubule

F:

Flagellum

F1:

First flagellum

F2:

Second flagellum

FB:

Flagellar bud

G:

Golgi body

GR:

Granular material

H:

Host cell

HN:

Host cell-nucleus

L:

Limiting membrane

M1:

Mitochondrion

MM:

Membrane of microgamont

MN:

Mitotic nucleus

N:

Nucleus

NM:

Nuclear membrane

P:

Perforatorium

PC:

Nucleus with peripherally-condensed chromatin

PT:

Peripheral tubule

PV:

Parasitophorous vacuole

RB:

Residual body

RL:

Rod-like structure

RN:

Residual nucleus

S:

Space

SC:

Nucleus with scattered chromatin

References

  • Cheissin, E.: Electron microscopic study of microgametes inEimeria intestinalis (Sporozoa, Coccidiida). J. Zool.43, 647–651 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheissin, E.: Electron microscopic study of microgametogenesis in two species of coccidia from rabbit (Eimeria magna andEimeria intestinalis). Acta protozool.3, 215–244 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Colley, F. C.: Fine structure of microgametocytes and macrogametes ofEimeria nieschulzi. J. Protozool.14, 663–674 (1967)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Colley, F. C., Zaman, V.: Observations on the endogenous stages ofToxoplasma gondii in the cat ileum. S. E. Asian J. trop. Med. publ. Hlth1, 465–480 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dubremetz, J. F.: L'ultrastructure du centriole et du centrocone chez la coccideEimeria necatrix. Étude au cours de la schizogonie. J. Microscopy12, 453–458 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernando, M. A.: Fine structural changes associated with microgametogenesis ofEimeria acervulina in chickens. Z. Parasitenk.43, 33–42 (1973)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hammond, D. M., Scholtyseck, E., Chobotar, B.: Fine structural study of microgametogenesis ofEimeria auburnensis. Z. Parasitenk.33, 65–84 (1969)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McLaren, D. J.: Observations on the fine structural changes associated with schizogony and gametogony inEimeria tenella. Parasitology59, 563–574 (1969)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mehlhorn, H.: Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen an Entwicklungsstadien vonEimeria maxima (Sporozoa, Coccidia). II. Die Feinstruktur der Mikrogameten. Z. Parasitenk.40, 151–163 (1972a)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mehlhorn, H.: Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen an Entwicklungsstadien vonEimeria maxima aus dem Haushuhn III. Der Differenzierungsprozeß der Mikrogameten unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Kernteilungen. Z. Parasitenk.40, 243–260 (1972b)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pelster, B., Piekarski, G.: Elektronenmikroskopische Analyse der Mikrogametenentwicklung vonToxoplasma gondii. Z. Parasitenk.37, 267–277 (1971)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, W. L., Hammond, D. M., Anderson, L. C., Speer, C. A.: Ultrastructural study of schizogony inEimeria callospermophili. J. Protozool.17, 584–592 (1970)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Scholtyseck, E.: Untersuchungen über die Kernverhältnisse und das Wachstum bei Coccidiomorphen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung vonEimeria maxima. Z. Parasitenk.22, 428–474 (1963)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Scholtyseck, E., Mehlhorn, H., Hammond, D. M.: Electron microscope studies of microgametogenesis in coccidia and related groups. Z. Parasitenk.38, 95–131 (1972)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Scholtyseck, E., Pellérdy, L., Mehlhorn, H., Haberkorn, A.: Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen über die Mikrogametenentwicklung des MäusecoccidsEimeria falciformis. Acta vet. Acad. Sci. hung.23, 61–73 (1973)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sénaud, J., Černa, Z.: La microgamétogènèse chezEimeria pragensis parasite de l'intestin de la Souris. Étude au microscope electronique. Protistologica6, 5–19 (1970)

    Google Scholar 

  • Snigirevskaya, E. S.: Changes of some ultrastructures during microgametogenesis in the rabbit coccidiaEimeria intestinalis andEimeria magna. Acta protozool.11, 382–385 (1969)

    Google Scholar 

  • Varghese, T.: Fine structure of the endogenous stages ofEimeria labbeana. 1. The first generation merozoites. J. Protozool.22, 66–71 (1975a)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Varghese, T.: The fine structure of the endogenous stages ofEimeria labbeana: 2. Mature macrogamonts and young oocysts. Z. Parasitenk.46, 43–51 (1975b)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Varghese, T.: Fine structure of the endogenous stages ofEimeria labbeana: 3. Feeding organelles. Z. Parasitenk.49, 25–32 (1976).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Agriculture, University, P. O. Box 4820, Papua New Guinea

    Thomas Varghese

Authors
  1. Thomas Varghese
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Varghese, T. The fine structure of the endogenous stages ofEimeria labbeana . Z. F. Parasitenkunde 50, 227–235 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02462967

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02462967

Keywords

Search

Navigation