Abstract
An in vitro assay system with Eimeria tenella sporozoites was used to study the effects of extracellular calcium and active agents affecting the invasion of parasites into host cells. At concentrations of 900μM Ca2+ and less the invasion rates were distinctly decreased. Ryanodine, a herbal alkaloid known for binding to internal Ca2+ channels (ryanodine receptors), showed an inhibitory effect on E. tenella sporozoite invasion. Preincubation tests and staining with a fluorescent derivative of ryanodine assured that the compound bound specifically to the sporozoites and affected them rather than the host cells.
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Schubert, U., Fuchs, J., Zimmermann, J. et al. Extracellular calcium deficiency and ryanodine inhibit Eimeria tenella sporozoite invasion in vitro. Parasitol Res 97, 59–62 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-005-1388-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-005-1388-5