Plasmodium falciparum: Discovery of peroxidase active organelles

Michael T. McIntosh, David A. Elliott, Keith A. Joiner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Staining with 3,3′ diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride (DAB) is a common method used for the detection of peroxidases. Using this histochemical staining method in conjunction with transmission electron microscopy, we observed oxidation of DAB that was localized to a discrete set of organelles displaying morphological similarity to small (75-90 nm diameter) versions of higher eukaryotic microbodies or peroxisomes. These single membrane bounded organelles were characterized by an asymmetrical matrix capable of oxidizing DAB to an electron dense inclusion. Oxidation of DAB was further found to be dependent upon hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a substrate. Given a lack of peroxisomal import proteins and enzymes, it is unlikely that these represent conventional peroxisomes. Rather, they likely represent specialized organelles containing endogenous peroxidase or pseudo-peroxidase activity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)133-136
Number of pages4
JournalExperimental parasitology
Volume111
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

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