Primary cell culture of Echinococcus granulosus developed from the cystic germinal layer: Biological and functional characterization

ALBANI C, ELISSONDO MC, CUMINO A, CHISARI, A, DENEGRI G.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY

Elsevier

Año: 2010 vol. 40 p. 1269 - 1275

0020-7519

Cell culture of parasitic helminths is an invaluable tool for investigation of basic fisiological processes, as well as for development of improved chemotherapeutic agents and molecular interactions between host and parasite. We carried out a simple and efficient methodology to isolate Eg germinal cells which were maintained at least 4 month when were cultivated in presence of reducing agents and hormones. Microscopic analysis of the primary cell culture revealed the presence of cells with similar Echinococcus germinal cells morphology and behaviour. PDT was estimated at 48 h showing a fast division rate. To discard possible host contamination, the specifycity of primary culture was tested by nested PCR analyzing the mdh gene expression obtaining only one product with expected size. Besides, we studied the expression of specific  proteins of Eg in primary cell culture. The novel and systematized method here described constitute a powerful tool for investigation in cystic echinoccocosis on biochemical and biological aspects related to the life cycle of the parasite, mechanisms of host-parasite interactions and to design more efficient therapeutic alternatives.Echinococcus germinal cells morphology and behaviour. PDT was estimated at 48 h showing a fast division rate. To discard possible host contamination, the specifycity of primary culture was tested by nested PCR analyzing the mdh gene expression obtaining only one product with expected size. Besides, we studied the expression of specific  proteins of Eg in primary cell culture. The novel and systematized method here described constitute a powerful tool for investigation in cystic echinoccocosis on biochemical and biological aspects related to the life cycle of the parasite, mechanisms of host-parasite interactions and to design more efficient therapeutic alternatives.