In vitro studies of malarial parasites using resealed ghosts of human erythrocytes.
Olson Ja · PubMed · 1981
A method has been determined for the preparation of resealed erythrocyte ghosts that are suitable for in vitro studies of Plasmodium falciparum. The resealed ghosts have been characterized with respect to their shape, size, stability in culture and their hemoglobin and ATP contents. Light and electron microscopy has revealed that parasites are able to develop normally in resealed ghosts. Even resealed ghosts containing very reduced levels of the normal erythrocyte cytoplasmic constituents are capable of supporting parasite growth. Studies utilizing the resealed ghost system have indicated that, within the limits of the experiment, intraerythrocyte ATP concentration does not play a role in susceptibility to malaria merozoite invasion.