Primary cell culture from Echinococcus granulosus larval stage

ALBANI C. M.; ELISSONDO M. C.; CHISARI A. N.; DENEGRI G.M.

Paría

Congreso; Xth European multicolloquium of parasitology; 2008

The ability to cultivate helminth cells in vitro or to establish helminth cell lines is very difficult and only few cases have been described in the literature. The aim of this work was to characterize a primary cell culture from Echinococcus granulosus larval stage for different approaches. Suitable conditions that promoted cell proliferation such us anabolic hormones, antioxidant agents and reduced culture areas to achieve cellular confluence were found. Specific primers to distinguish between E. granulosus and host cells were designed. Optical, electronic and confocal microscopy was realized to determine the size, cellular morphology and mitotic activity. On the other hand, DNA and RNA contents, doubling time, growth cycle and presence of enzymes and E. granulosus specific proteins were assayed. The establishment and characterization of a primary cells culture from E. granulosus larval stage would contribute to understanding of the biochemical and biological aspects related with the parasite life cycle, mechanisms of host/parasite interactions and to design new and more efficient therapeutic alternatives.