The effect of short-wavelength ultraviolet light on antigens, lection receptors and the ultraestructure of Crithidia fasciculata

Crithidia fasciculata is an important trypanosomatid parasite commonly affecting insects and is used extensively as a model for the study of the biochemistry, ultrastructure and organization of the kDNA network of trypanosomatids. The present study describes the evolution of UV-induced morphological changes detectable by transmission electron microscopy in Crithidia fasciculata. Although only rare and minor changes in Kinetoplast DNA were demonstrable 7 h after UV irradiation, alterations of this orgtanelle were present in almost al flagellates observed 24 h and 48 h after irradiation. Other cell structures were apparently undamaged. Ultrastructural changes in kDNA did not correspond to changes in antigenicity of protein bands in western blotting against serum from Chagas' disease patients or in the presence of 3 different lectin receptors on the surface of the parasite

UV-induced growth inhibition in the trypanosomatid Crithidia fasciculata

The effects of short ultraviolet (253 mm) radiation on the growth of the trypanosomatid flagellate Crithidia fasciculada were studied in liquid medium and nutrient agar plates. Cell duplication was completely inhibited after exposure of the flagellates to doses equal to or higher than 50 J/m2. The UV-induced lag period was dose-dependent. Survival was reduced to 1% after exposure of the parasites to 200 J/m2. Ultrastructural changes after the lag period were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Changes of the kinetoplast network structure and sometimes of the mitochondrial matrix were observed. The existence of DNA repair mechanisms in this protozoan is discussed