ALBERT

Notes: . When a streptomycin-bleached mutant of Euglena gracilis strain Z was cultured in the dark at 33, 26, or 15°C, the content of paramylon was higher at lower growing temperature while that of wax esters was higher at higher temperature. Transfer of the cells grown at 33°C–15°C decreased the wax ester content while increasing the paramylon content; transfer in the reverse direction caused reverse changes. On incubation with labeled acetate, the cells grown at 33°C showed more distribution of radioactivity in wax esters than the cells grown at lower temperatures. Apparently the two energy-reserve substances have different physiological functions.

Notes: The sessiline peritrich Ellobiophrya conviva n. sp. is described from marine ectoprocts of the genus Bugula, the first report of an ellobiophryid on bryozoan hosts. The new species is distinguished from others of its genus by its different body proportions, size, host, and structure of the clasping holdfast (for which the new name cinctum is chosen). Ellobiophrya conviva has been found only on B. neritina and B. turrita and shows a marked seasonal cycle of abundance. The family Ellobiophryidae Chatton & Lwoff is revised on the basis of new information provided by E. conviva, with the single species of the genus Clausophrya removed to Ellobiophrya as E. oblida Naidenova & Zaika n. comb. The genus Caliperia Laird remains unchanged. The two genera of the revised family are distinguished from one another by differences in the structure of the cinctum. Hypotheses are advanced to explain the morphogenesis of the cinctum and the evolution of ellobiophryids from other peritrichs.

Notes: The spatial and seasonal distribution of Paramecium bursaria in two small Indiana ponds was studied using a sampling grid. Very small (5.0 ml) samples were taken so that the individual microhabitats could be studied. The results were evaluated in comparison to the data collected for the P. aurelia complex collected in the same manner and at the same sites. It was found that P. bursaria exist in a clumped distribution, but that the distribution was not very different from random. Paramecium bursaria also exist at the surface and at the mud-water interface. Temperature does not seem to play a statistically significant role in determining population size. The breeding system of P. bursaria is optimized for an outbreeding population of low density. In comparison, the species of the P. aurelia complex exist in a very clumped distribution, are found only at the mud-water interface, and are inbreeders. The evolutionary strategies of the two types of paramecia are discussed.

Notes: L'étude du caractère planctonique de différentes spores d'Actinomyxidies montre une complexité croissante dans leur adaptation au milieu aquatique. Au contact de l'eau, les trois cellules épéisporales de chaque spore se transforment en flotteurs de forme différente suivant les espèces. Ces flotteurs peuvent s'unir entre eux en un style équivelent à un quatrième flotteur ou associer diversement les huit spores issues d'un měme pansporocyste. C'est le cas dans le genre Synactinomyxon dont la diagnose est modifiée pour inclure une deuxième espèce S. Iongicauda n. sp. Un type nouveau est décrit chez lequel la preéence d'ancres à l'extrémité des cellules épisporales permet de maintenir efficacement réunies plusieurs dizaines de spores émises simultanément. Nous avons observé dans les genres Aurantiactinomyxon, Synactinomyxon, Echinactinomyxon l'emission du sporoplasme. II est libére en entier et capable de se déplacer dans l'eau pendant plus d'une heure grǎce à des mouvements amoeboïdes. Chez Aurantiactinomyxon eiseniellae les études ultrastructurales montrent que l'enveloppe du pansporocyste, d'une part, les épispores et les capsules polaires d'autre part sont réalisées à partir de cellules distinctes et profondément modifiées. Quant au sporoplasme, autrefois décrit comme un plasmode avec de nombreuses paires de noyaux, il contient, en fait, des ensembles identiques dont chacun est constitué de l'union d'un noyau satellite et d'une cellule uninucléée.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉ABSTRACTThe study of the planktonic character of different Actinomyxidia spores reveals increasingly complex adaptations to an aquatic environment. On contact with water, the three episporal cells of each spore transform into floats, the forms of which differ according to species. These floats can join together so that a fourth type of float is formed, or they can unite in various ways the eight spores originating from the same pansporocyst. This is the case in the genus Synactinomyxon whose diagnosis is modified to include a second species S. Iongicauda n. sp. A new type is described in which the presence of anchors at the extremities of the episporal cells permits several dozen spores that have been emitted simultaneously to be kept together. We have observed the emission of the sporoplasm in the genera Aurantiactinomyxon, Synactinomyxon, and Echinactinomyxon. It is freed completely and for more than an hour is capable of changing its position in the water by amoeboid movements. In the case of Aurantiactinomyxon eiseniellae, ultrastructural studies show that the pansporocyst envelope on the one hand, and the epispores and polar capsules on the other hand, are formed from separate but profoundly modified cells. The sporoplasm, however, sometimes described as a plasmodium with numerous pairs of nuclei, contains, in fact, identical complexes, each consisting of a uninucleate cell united with a satellite nucleus.

Notes: Paramecia detect and accumulate in or disperse from some chemicals. Cells do this by changing frequency of turning and speed of swimming. There are at least two mechanisms by which cells respond: one dependent on ability to turn, one dependent on speed modulation. There are also two classes of chemicals: those that require the cells' ability to turn in order to cause accumulation and dispersal (type I), and those that apparently require only speed modulation (type II). Attractants of type I cause qualitatively similar changes in behavior to repellents of type II and the converse; therefore, assays are needed to distinguish between these two classes of chemicals, despite qualitatively similar behavior of some attractants and repellents. We examined two assays of paramecium chemoresponse, T-maze assay and well test, to understand how the T-maze distinguishes between attractants of type I and repellents of type II and why the well test does not.

Notes: The morphology of spore germination in Didymium nigripes was studied using scanning electron microscopy and Nomarski phase optics. First, the outer spore wall splits, revealing a fibrillar inner wall. Remnants of the inner wall continue to cover the newly emerged amoeba. A single nucleus and a prominent vacuole are visible throughout germination. Germination is more rapid in glucose-peptone-yeast extract than in phosphate buffer. Germination is completely inhibited at 4°C, and is very slow at 18°C. Germination is most rapid at 26°C; at 21°C or 32°C it is slightly slower. Germination is reversibly inhibited by 20 μ/ml cycloheximide, but not by 200 μ/ml 5-fluoro uracil or 200 μ/ml proflavin. It is completely inhibited by 10-3 M Na azide.

Notes: Crithidia fasciculata (Anopheles, Culex, and Nöller strains), C. hutneri, C. luciliae thermophila, and Herpetomonas samuelpessoai were grown in a defined medium with different values of osmolarity at different temperatures. C. fasciculata (all strains) grew best between 300 to 500 mOsm; H. samuelpessoai, 400–500 mOsm; and C. hutneri and C. luciliae thermophila, 500–800 mOsm. At higher temperatures better growth was obtained at the upper osmolarities.

Notes: Crypthecodinium cohnii, a small marine heterotrophic homothallic dinoflagellate, has diversified into a complex of morphologically very similar breeding groups (biological species or sibling species), some of which have become widely dispersed. Membership of two clones in the same sibling species is shown by their sexual compatibility as determined by genetic complementation in zygotes formed from motility mutants derived from the two stocks. Membership in different sibling species may be inferrec when motility mutants of one strain do not complement those of another. Fifty-six clones representing seaweed enrichments from *** geographic sites have been found to belong to 28 sibling species; 35 clones are members of seven wide-ranging biological species, and 21 are single representatives of 21 other breeding groups within the ranges of the others. Of 174 clonal isolates in our possession, 168 conform in size and shape to C. cohnii. Six others which have smaller cells and only one-fifth the standard DNA and chromosome number belong, we believe, to another species. The C. cohnii complex provides a unique opportunity for the study of evolutionary divergence and geographical dispersion of a dinoflagellate.

Notes: Until recently, pansporoblastic microsporidia that produce a variable and large number of sporoblasts from a sporont have been included in a single genus, namely Pleistophora Gurley, 1893. Ultrastructural studies have been used to determine whether the resemblance of these species is fundamental or superficial. The results indicated that the multisporous pansporoblastic forms belong to at least three genera and, thus, that Pleistophora is a “composite genus.” The term pansporoblast was originally used for stages in myxosporidian development. The term sporophorous vesicle adopted from Gurley is suggested for the spore-containing vesicle in the Microspora. Three species were studied: Pleistophora typicalis, the type-species; Pleistophora culicis, for which a new genus Vavraia has already been proposed; and Pleistophora simulii. P. typicalis and V. culicis have isolated nuclei throughout their development, and the sporophorous vesicle wall enveloping the sporoblasts is derived from amorphous secretions laid down during merogony external to the plasmalemma. Pleistophora and Vavraia are differentiated principally in terms of the structure of the sporophorous vesicle wall and mode of division of the sporogonial plasmodium. The nuclei of young sporonts of P. simulii are in diplokaryon arrangement and undergo meiosis to give haploid nuclei in the sporoblasts. The sporophorous vesicle wall is membranoid and is laid down external to the plasmalemma at the onset of sporogony. A new genus, Polydispyrenia n. g., is suggested for this species, the affinities of which are closer to the dimorphic species of microsporidia than to Pleistophora or Vavraia. The terms “merontogenetic sporophorous vesicle” and “sporontogenetic sporophorous vesicle” are used to distinguish between the two groups.

Notes: Plasmodium berghei infection was more severe in pregnant than in nonpregnant mice. Infection initiated on gestation day 7 resulted in rapidly increasing parasitemia and deaths of all pregnant mice within 12 days, while some nonpregnant mice survived until day 21 postinfection. When mice were infected on gestation day 12 or 14, a proportion of mice died before parturition; but some animals survived to deliver living pups. Reduced birthweights and increased spleen weight to body weight ratios were seen in pups from infected mice as compared with pups from uninfected animals. Histopathological abnormalities of placentae from infected animals included degeneration of the normal labyrinthine architecture and thickening of the trophobast separating maternal and fetal blood vessels.

Notes: Tetrahymena pyriformis strain WH-14 secreted large quantities of intracellular proteases into its culture medium during growth. Extracellular enzymes were purified to homogeneity from cell-free medium by ammonium sulfate precipitation, CM-Sephadex column chromatography, gel filtration, and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. The DEAE-cellulose eluates were separated into four peaks (P-I, P-II, P-III, and P-IV), each of which exhibited a different specific activity toward azocasein and α-N-benzoyl-DL-arginine-ρ-nitroanilide (Bz-Arg-Nan). These four forms of the protease showed similarity in amino acid composition, molecular weight (21,000–24,000), and antigenic reactivity. They had pH optima at neutral range. P-I showed the highest specificity to azocasein whereas P-IV was most effective toward the synthetic substrates. The Km values for hydrolysis of Bz-Arg-Nan were 2.4, 1.6, 1.3, and 1.4 mM for P-I, P-II. P-III, and P-IV, respectively, and the corresponding Kcat/Km values were 5.0, 9.4, 28.5, and 114.3 S-1.M-1. These properties of secreted proteases were compared with those of intracellular proteases purified by the same procedure except for the initial Triton X-100 extraction. There were similarities in specific activity toward two substrates, molecular weight, Km, pH optima, and antigenic reactivity between the proteases from two sources, providing evidence that the intracellular proteases may be secreted into the extracellular medium without modification.

Notes: The separation of extracellular protozoan parasites from host cells based on a difference in surface charge has been described. However, with Trypanosoma cruzi no method exists for the isolation of pure parasite stages from heterogeneous mixtures. Studies on the electrophoresis of mixed stage populations confirm significant surface charge density differences exist among epimastigotes, trypomastigotes, and amastigotes. In ascending order of electronegativity, amastigotes have the lowest charge density, try-pomastigotes next, followed by epimastigotes. A technique has been developed for the separation of purified populations of parasites based on these charge differences using a continuous free-flow electrophoresis apparatus. The separated populations are morphologically intact and maintain their infectivity to mice. This separation method is applicable for preparative and analytical isolation of pure stages of T. cruzi for biochemical and immunological studies.

Notes: Cellular levels of protein and two acid hydrolases, acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2) and acid proteinase, were followed during cyst differentiation, arbitrarily divided into five stages, in the ciliate Histriculus muscorum Kahl. Extracellular enzyme activities were also measured. Protein content decreased gradually during cyst differentiation. In mature cysts the protein content was ca. 60% that of stationary phase organisms. The activities of both acid hydrolases remained unchanged during stage 1 and then decreased gradually; acid proteinase decreased more rapidly. Both enzymes remained slightly active in the mature cysts. The acid proteinase activity of stage 1 was reduced by cycloheximide treatment at time zero, whereas the enzyme was no longer sensitive to the inhibitor when treated at 1.5 h (late stage 1) after the first wash with encysting medium. Acid phosphatase activity was insensitive to the inhibitor. Extracellular release of acid phosphatase increased linearly at least until stage 5, although the extracellular release of acid proteinase was not detected. Cycloheximide blocked the extracellular release of acid phosphatase after stage 1. These results suggest that de novo synthesis of acid proteinase occurs during stage 1 and that lysosomes may play an important role during early stages of cyst differentiation.

Notes: . Micronuclear mitosis in living Spirostomum teres has been studied by sensitive polarization microscopy, and the dynamic aspects of micronuclear division are described. The small, spherical, interphase micronuclei lie in form-fitting depressions in the macronuclear surface. Nuclear division begins with the rounding and slight swelling of the macronucleus and, coincidentally, the micronuclei move out of the depressions and away from the macronucleus, increase in size, and become weakly birefringent. As mitosis proceeds, the micronuclei increase in uniaxial birefringence and elongate to form irregular ovoids that convert to angular structures displaying principal axes of positive birefringence so divergent as to appear oriented at a right angle to one another. Micronuclei maintain this appearance for as long as 60 min and then abruptly change to rectangular-shaped structures, increase in uniaxial birefringence, and begin anaphase elongation. The somewhat dumbbell-shaped micronuclei lengthen at the constant rate of 2.0 μm/min to reach lengths 〉70 μm. It appears that little half-spindle shortening occurs during spindle elongation. Accompanying the changes in micronuclear spindle length are changes in birefringence. Just before elongation begins, presumably metaphase, the micronucleus is uniformly and intensely birefringent. At the magnifications employed, a chromosome plate is not clearly visible as a region of reduced birefringence. As elongation begins, the putative half-spindles are more birefringent than is the interzone, a condition that is maintained until the spindles have achieved ∼30% elongation, at which time a region of increased birefringence develops at the center of the interzone. This pattern persists for a very short time, then gives way to a uniform birefringence of the entire separation spindle that is maintained until elongation is completed. The rate of micronuclear spindle elongation, changes in micronuclear dimensions, and corresponding changes in birefringence are discussed with respect to possible mechanisms of mitosis.

Notes: . Studies performed with the basidiomycete Laccaria trullisata collected from the sandy beach at the Hempstead Lake State Park, Long Island, New York, during the growing seasons of 1979 and 1980, have demonstrated a carposphere (equivalent to rhizosphere) effect. This region exerts a positive influence on the population density of amoebae when numbers are compared with those obtained in the bare sand 5 cm away. Moreover, amoebae have been shown to exist in, and have been recovered from, internal tissue of the cap (72%) and stalk (91%) of these mushrooms. A partial characterization of three strains of amoebae isolated from the internal tissue of L. trullisata and established in clonal culture is presented.

Notes: L'étude, par le protargol, des phénomènes infraciliaires et de leur corrélation avec les phénomènes nucléaires au cours de l'autogamie dans le genre Euplotes montre, par comparaison avec la conjugaison, que les diverses étapes de la morphogenèse sont liées à la progression de l'état nucléaire. Par ailleurs, l'étude comparative des différents types de morphogenèse (bipartition, phénomena sexuel, réorganisation induite par le jeǔne) permet de supposer qu'il existe deux territoires morphogènes soumis à des systèmes de régulation bien distincts. La comparaison des séquences de morphogenèse chez divers hypotriches conduit à dresser un plan général d'évolution de la régulation de l'activité corticale en relation avec l'étendue des remaniements associés à la stomatogenèse.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉ABSTRACTThe changes in the arrangement of the infraciliature associated with autogamy in Euplotes are described and compared with similar events associated with conjugation. The successive steps of morphogenesis are strongly correlated with nuclear processes. The comparative study of different types of morphogenesis (binary fission, sexual phenomena, starvation-induced reorganization) leads to the hypothesis that two morphogenetic fields (a ventral one and a dorsal one) depend on separate regulatory systems. From the viewpoint of evolution, the morphogenetic sequences of some hypotrichs have been compared. A general scheme of the evolution of cortical regulation is proposed, taking into account the extension of the area concerned with stomatogenic activity.

Notes: Mouse omentum was studied after intraperitoneal challenge with tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasites inhabit omental histiocytes, fibroblasts, mesothelial cells, and free peritoneal macrophages. Recently infected cells showed enhanced metabolic and functional activity. Villous projections of the parasitophorous vacuole wall appeared, usually opposite the anterior pole of the parasite. In mesothelial cells, projections formed terminal swellings not observed in other infected cells. Activation of host cells was followed by reduction of the density of the cytoplasmic matrix, autophagosome formation, and intracellular edema, indicating the damage. The wall of the parasitophorous vacuole loses the supporting host cell endoplasmic reticulum that was attached to the vacuole just after entrance of the parasite into the cell. Then lysis of the parasitophorous vacuole and complete cell destruction occurs. The growth of parasites in undamaged cells does not coincide with the inflammatory response. Inflammation of the peritoneum develops only after the start of mass destruction of infected cells. Thus tachyzoites of Toxoplasma exert significant pathogenic effects by their ability to activate the host cell, causing lysis of the parasitophorous vacuole and subsequent destruction of the entire cell.

Notes: Discophrya collini is a free-living suctorian with retractile tentacles covered by a thick fibrous cortex. The tentacles contain a microtubular central canal surrounded at the base by a fibrous collar. Electrical stimulation induces a reproducible tentacle retraction. With extracellular electrodes, the tentacles nearest the anode respond initially, contracting by up to 75% of their original length. There is an inverse relationship between voltage level and duration of stimulus in producing a threshold response, and at a set voltage, between duration and degree of retraction. With intracellular electrodes, the membrane potential has been measured as -30 mV, and tentacle retraction occurs in response to as little as 1.25 nA when the intracellular electrode is made the cathode of the circuit. SEM studies show that retracted tentacles have a wrinkled cortex, while TEM shows that the microtubular canal bends as it enters the cytoplasm. No consistent changes occur in the microtubule configuration of the canal on retraction, suggesting that the microtubules are not directly involved in the contractile mechanism.

Notes: A rapid in vitro prescreen for Fe-binding chelators has been developed with growth of Crithidia fasciculata and the sparing of its heme requirement in a defined medium as a test system. The prescreen functions as an index of chelator-mediated Fe transport and as an index of growth inhibition, presumably by the interference with Fe and/or heme metabolism at intracellular chelatable sites. Of 161 chelators examined, 84 were active heme-sparers; 32 of these inhibited growth at low chelator concentrations. Twenty-eight other chelators inhibited growth and another 49 were inactive. Such chelating activity directed at Fe and heme targets in hemoflagellates may provide leads for chemotherapy.

Notes: Study of microorganism growth kinetics requires measurement of maximal specific growth rate. Standard methods of measurement-batch, semicontinuous and continuous steady state-have sources of imprecision that can be substantially reduced by a modification of the continuous steady-state method. Data are presented, using the ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis, that indicate that the theoretical foundation of the new method is firm and that precision can be increased.

Notes: Viable merozoites of Plasmodium knowlesi were isolated and the proteins that were labeled on intact merozoites by lactoperoxidase-catalyzed radioiodination were identified. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography of Triton soluble extracts of labeled merozoites demonstrated eight major bands ranging in apparent molecular weight from 150,000 D to 22,000 D. Exposure of intact merozoites to trypsin (10 μg/ml) for 10 min resulted in the loss of the two highest molecular weight proteins (150,000 D and 105,000 D) and the appearance of two new bands at 70,000 D and 62,000 D. Trypsin treatment under these conditions also removed the receptor(s) for merozoite attachment to erythrocytes. Therefore, these high molecular weight proteins are candidates for the merozoite component that attaches to erythrocytes. There was no evidence that the labeled membrane components were serum or erythrocyte membrane components, two potential contaminants in the preparation. Anti-rhesus erythrocyte antibody did not precipitate labeled merozoite proteins. Furthermore, the immunoprecipitation of labeled merozoite proteins by rhesus anti-merozoite serum was not inhibited by erythrocyte ghosts.

Notes: Species of trypanosomatids without endosymbionts (Leptomonas seymouri, L. collosoma, L. samueli, Crithidia fasciculata, C. luciliae, C. acanthocephali, Herpetomonas megaseliae, H. mariadeanei, H. samuelpessoai, H. muscarum muscarum, Trypanosoma cruzi) and species of trypanosomatids with endosymbionts (Crithidia deanei, C. oncopelti, Blastocrithidia culicis) were comparatively studied by means of electron microscopy. Artificially aposymbiotic strains derived from species with symbiont were also included in the survey. Species with symbiont were found to differ in some ultrastructural aspects from the group of species without symbiont. Paraxial rods of flagella or intraflagellar structure were found exclusively in species without symbiont. Peripheral branching of mitochondria, accompanied by absence of subpellicular microtubules in sites where the mitochondrial branches are appressed to the cell membrane, were found exclusively in species with symbiont. Networks of kinetoplast DNA fibrils were found to be larger and looser in species with symbiont. Symbiont-free strains of species with symbiont retained the same morphological characteristics of their parental species.

Notes: During a freeze-fracture electron microscopical study of the plasma membrane of Tetrahymena, several different types of organized particle assemblies were observed. Three of these were found only on the protoplasmic face and were localized in the anterior-ventral region of the cell. These consisted of plate-like arrays composed of 4–25 triplet rows of small 3–4 nm particles; long, paired linear arrays localized at the tops of cortical ridges and composed of 7–8 nm particles; and elongated tetragonal arrays located in the grooves between ridges and composed of approximately 10 nm particles. The distribution of these arrays is consistent with roles in cellular morphogenesis, chemoreception, or cell-cell pairing during conjugation. In addition, a unique particle track associated with the cytoproct (anal pore) was observed in the external face of the plasma membrane. Furthermore, the protoplasmic face of the plasma membrane is characterized by a high density of particles organized into localized microarrays, consisting of small paracrystals or strings, which exhibit a loose higher-order patterning most evident toward the anterior end of the cell. Particle distributions on the protoplasmic face do not appear to be significantly altered by conditions that cause clumping of alveolar membrane particles. Taken together, these observations are consistent with the idea that the proteins of the plasma membrane are highly ordered and relatively immobile and that the structure of the plasma membrane is regionally differentiated.

Notes: . A new species of Dactylosoma (Dactylosomatidae, Piroplasmia), for which the name Dactylosoma hannesi n. sp. is proposed, was discovered in blood erythrocytes of Mugil cephalus, Liza richardsoni, and L. dumerili (Mugilidae) from Swartkops estuary, located east of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The life cycle of this species differs in some respects from that described for all other known species of Dactylosoma and Babesiosoma. Mature schizonts contain eight nuclei but undergo division only to two to four daughter cells. During cytoplasmic cleavage, schizonts assume triad, rosette, or cruciform shapes. Merozoites are finally produced through a series of binary fissions of these daughter cells which may also be involved in additional nuclear divisions.

Notes: Electron microscopy was used to examine the flagellar apparatus of Herpetomonas ampelophilae from the gut and malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster. The flagellates attach to the microvilli either by weaving their flagella between the microvilli or by engulfing several microvilli with an external flagellar membrane. The first type predominated in the gut while the second type was limited to the malpighian tubules. Desmosomes were not involved in either type of attachment. A subpellicular collar with emerging microtubules was found to be adjacent to the desmosome of the flagellar pocket of herpetomonads in the gut.

Notes: Prorocentrum micans Ehrenberg, a free-living marine dinoflagellate, was used to test the intracellular toxic action of cadmium. The cells were cultivated in Erdschreiber medium, with Cd concentrations of 10–100 ppb. Thin sections of treated cells, examined ultramicroscopically, exhibited vacuolations, increased numbers of lysosomes, and severe mitochondrial damage. The first two alterations are a general response to toxicity; the third is Cd specific. Although some chloroplasts were affected by Cd, they were not very sensitive to its action. The nuclear apparatus was not morphologically affected.

Notes: Toxoplasma-like avian parasites inhabiting mononuclear phagocytes have been called Haemogregarina, Toxoplasma. avian Toxoplasma, Atoxoplasma, and Lankesterella by various authors. My attempts to transmit the parasites by bloodsucking mites or by transfer of blood and tissues of infected sparrows and canaries were unsuccessful. However, it was noted that the infection was exacerbated under conditions that favored transmission of coccidiosis: crowding and lack of cleanliness. Oral inoculation of sporulated oocysts of Isospora resulted in death from overwhelming macrophage infection with Toxoplasma-like organisms. Experiments using sparrows and canaries showed that the Isospora species involved was not cross infectious. Further investigations using canaries demonstrated that after oral oocyst inoculation, infection of macrophages spread from the submucosa of the duodenum to the liver. spleen, and lungs. After several generations in the internal organs, asexual multiplication, occured in the intestinal epithelium of the small intestinc. Fecal oocysts first appeared at the end of 9–10 days. Oocysts continued to be passed in the feces for months after infection. This chronicity may be explained by the relatively long life of the macrophages that serve as host cells for the asexual stages as compared to the intestinal epithelium which is the cell type parasitized by conventional coccidia.

Notes: Stages of mitosis of the micronuclei of Stentor coeruleus were described as seen by transmission electron microscopy. Cells in division and those regenerating new oral membranelles were studied. Microtubules were found in early prophase in the karyoplasm and interspersed between the condensing chromatin. A monaxial intranuclear spindle is formed by early metaphase, with kinetochore microtubule attachment sites on the chromosomes. The spindle elongates, separating the daughter nuclei at anaphase. A new nuclear envelope, consisting of two unit membranes, begins to form at late anaphase. Small segments of membrane found in the space between the newly forming and the old micronuclear envelopes appear to fuse to form the new nuclear envelope. No ultrastructural differences were found in the mitotic nuclei of cells in division or regeneration.

Notes: Precursors of 2-aminobutanoic acid (2-ABA), found in the incubation medium of mixed rumen ciliate protozoa, were examined with washed or starved bacteria-free ciliates. Threonine and methionine strongly stimulated the formation of 2-ABA. Formation of 2-ABA by direct conversion of threonine and dethiomethylation of methionine was confirmed by radiotracer experiments with [U-14C]L-threonine and [carboxyl-14C] and [methyl-14C]L-methionine.

Notes: The effects of irreversible inhibition of protein synthesis by pactamycin in either infective forms of Trypanosoma cruzi or mammalian host cells on cellular invasion by this human pathogen were investigated. Treatment of bloodstream forms of T. cruzi with pactamycin markedly reduced their ability to bind either fibroblast-like cells of monkey origin or myoblasts of rat origin. The number of amastigote forms that could be established intracellularly was also significantly decreased with respect to control values obtained when mock-treated (medium alone) trypomastigotes were incubated with the cells. Pactamycin treatment also reduced the infectivity of T. cruzi trypomastigotes for mice as evidenced by both significantly reduced parasitemia levels and mortality rates when compared with those of control mice infected with mock-treated parasites. Inhibition of protein synthesis in the host cells neither prevented cell infection by untreated trypomastigotes nor altered the percentages of infected cells or the magnitude of the infection in vitro. These results indicate that protein synthesis is a requirement for cell invasion by T. cruzi and that the parasite can establish itself and replicate within cells relying on its own protein synthesis ability.

Notes: One hundred eighty-eight stocks of Paramecium primaurelia, P. biaurelia, P. tetraurelia, and P. octaurelia were grown axenically and tested for five esterases, visualized by starch gel electrophoresis, in a search for variant stocks. The five esterases can be distinguished on the bases of their substrate specificity, sensitivity to an inhibitor, and response to different growth conditions. This paper addresses the nature of the electrophoretic change in mobility of the variant stocks in order that species relationships can be more accurately assessed. Crosses carried out in all four species show that single genes determine the differences in mobility between variant and common subtypes. Extracts of variant stocks that gave similar patterns were run against each other, tested for their sensitivity to the inhibitor, and the pattern was compared to that found in extracts of stocks with variant and common subtypes in other species. The majority of the variants in P. primaurelia, P. tetraurelia, and P. octaurelia show an electrophoretic mobility characteristic of a common subtype, or a variant, in another species. The same proportion of variant subtypes as common subtypes have mobilities similar to esterase subtypes found in other species. Of the four species examined in this paper, P. tetraurelia and P. octaurelia appear to be most closely related on the basis of shared esterase subtypes. In P. biaurelia the mobilities of most of the variants are unique, as are the common esterase subtypes in this species. P. biaurelia stands out as having the greatest number of esterase subtypes, with very few of them homologous to subtypes found in other species. This observation supports the idea of greater diversification of stocks within P. biaurelia than for the other three species.

Notes: Glycogen phosphorylase and synthase activities were detected in the sonic lysate of rumen ciliates of the genus Entodinium. The ciliate phosphorylase had the following properties. The pH optimum was narrow and centered at pH 5.9. The activity was maximum at 30°C; above 40°C a rapid inactivation occurred. The Km value for glucose-1-phosphate (G-1-P) and for glycogen was 15 mM and 0.069% (w/v), respectively. NaF and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid had no stimulative effect on the enzyme activity, though adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate and theophylline activated it. NaHSO3 inhibited the enzyme activity at a concentration of 1 mM. The inhibition of glucose was noncompetitive for G-1-P. Glycolytic intermediates and nucleotides had a minor effect on phosphorylase activity. Glycogen synthase existed in two forms, glucose-6-phosphate dependent and independent forms: the proportion of the latter form increased with the decrease of reserve polysaccharide levels in the ciliates. Correlations between glycolytic enzyme activities included phosphorylase and synthase activities and reserve polysaccharide contents in the ciliates were determined, and a possible regulatory mechanism of polysaccharide synthesis and degradation was discussed.

Notes: The structure of the major protein of the pellicular membrane of Leishmania tropica was investigated. This protein is composed of two polypeptides, of ca. 50,000 d molecular weight, that were found to cross-react immunologically with the α and β subunits of pig brain tubulin. The polypeptides and pig brain tubulin subunits were partially digested with S. aureus V8 protease, and the peptides obtained analysed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A comparison of the patterns showed that the β subunits of Leishmania and pig tubulin have very similar primary structures, while the α subunits have evolved divergently. These experiments demonstrate that the major polypeptides found in the pellicular membrane of L. tropica are α and β subunits of tubulin. Immuno-electron microscopy indicates that the tubulin is located in the microtubules associated with the pellicular membrane of Leishmania. Arrays of microtubules were prepared by nonionic detergent treatment of the cells and observed by electron microscopy after negative staining. Optical diffraction reveals a 5 nm spacing between protofilaments in the microtubule and a 4 nm axial periodicity corresponding to the tubulin subunits. The pitch of the shallow left-hand three-start helix is 12°. A distance of 47 nm separates each microtubule from the next. These data show that the dimensions and supramolecular organization of the tubulin subunits in the microtubules are identical in the pellicular membrane of L. tropica and in mammalian brain.

Notes: Haemogregarina bigemina is redescribed from the blood of the marine fish Blennius pholis, and stages presumed to be those of the haemogregarine are recorded from the hematophagous praniza larva of the isopod Gnathia maxillaris. At College Rocks, Aberystwyth, Wales, the main study area, a high incidence of infection occurred in B. pholis. No exoerythrocytic stages were observed in these fish, nor was sexual dimorphism of the gametocyte evident. As in an earlier study, ecological evidence favored transmission by G. maxillaris rather than by leeches. Gametocytes, syzygy, oocysts, sporoblasts, and sporozoites were identified in the anterior hindgut of the isopod. The stages observed in G. maxillaris are compared with those of other haemogregarines described from the digestive tract of leeches. Mention is made of an intraleucocytic haemogregarine of another fish, Crenilabrus melops.

Notes: The nomenclature of three genera in the family Haemogregarinidae (Haemogregarina, Karyolysus, and Hepatozoon) has been reviewed and the following new names are introduced to replace homonyms or for previously unnamed species: Haemogregarina carlosi n. nom., in the erythrocytes of the lizard Lacerta ocellata; Haemogregarina tincae n. nom., in the stomach and intestine of the tench Tinca tinca; Hepatozoon insectivorae n. sp., in the leucocytes of the shrews Sorex araneus and Crocidura leucodon; Hepatozoon krampitzi n. sp., in the leucocytes of the vole Microtus oeconomus; Hepatozoon peromysci n. sp., in the leucocytes of the deermice Peromyscus boylii and P. truei gilberti; and Hepatozoon pallida (Pessoa et al., 1971) n. comb., in the erythrocytes of the snake Thamnodynastes pallidus nattereri.

Notes: Transmission and scanning electron microscopy of specimens of Paramecium multimicronucleatum treated with the Rio-Hortega silver-impregnation method as modified by Fernández-Galiano demonstrate that considerable deposition of silver occurs around the kinetosomes, especially at the level of the basal plate and also at the proximal end of the kinetosome. In addition, silver is heavily deposited within the kinetodesmal fibers, in the fibrous matrix that surrounds the postciliary and transverse microtubules, in the connective structures observed between the two kinetosomes of a pair and between the kinetodesmal fiber and the anterior kinetosome, and in the trichocysts. Differences and similarities in sites of deposit when other methods of silver impregnation are employed are discussed and the particular value of the present technique in studies of ciliate systematics and phytogeny is stressed.

Notes: . Various ions and treatments known to alter the availability of free Ca2+ were examined with respect to their effects on the cytopharyngeal pouch, a large prey receptacle found in the potentially carnivorous macrostomal form of Tetrahymena vorax. Addition of Ca2+, Ba2+, or Sr2+ induced the pouch to separate from the region of the cytostome, forming a large empty vacuole. Na+, alone, had no effect, but lowered the concentration of Ca2+ required to produce maximum vacuolar formation in populations of cells. Vacuolar induction was also initiated by the cation ionophore A23187 or by subjecting macrostomal cells to an electric current. In the presence of divalent cation chelators EDTA and EGTA, the cytopharyngeal pouch collapsed and was resorbed. Taken together, these results suggest that Ca2+ plays an important role during phagocytosis in this cell type.

Notes: Oocysts of Eimeria morainensis n. sp. are described from the golden-mantled ground squirrel, Spermophilus lateralis. in Northern Colorado. The oocysts of E. morainensis are double-walled and subspherical, 20.3 × 19.8 (18.7–26.2 × 17.5–21.2) μm; and the sporocysts are ellipsoid, 12.1 × 6.9 (8.7–13.7 × 6.2–8.7) μm. Oocyst residuum and micropyle are absent, but a polar granule is present. Sporocyst residuum and Stieda body are present. Differences in oocyst characteristics provide the basis for recognition of this new species of Eimeria.

Notes: Trichoduboscqia epeori Léger was found to parasitize nymphs of the mayfly Rhithrogena iridina Kolenati in southwest Germany for a new host record. It was studied by light and electron microscopy. The pansporoblast membrane is evaginated at several points, usually four, to produce long needle-like appendages 〉20 μm in length with a resilient inner core superficially resembling collagen, which is thought to maintain their orientation. It is suggested that the pansporoblast appendages may play a role in host infection. The structure and ultrastructure of developmental stages are recorded for the first time. Apart from the pansporoblast appendages, the ultrastructure of T. epeori conforms to the general pattern seen in many other pansporoblastic Microspora. Typically 16 spores are produced per pansporoblast but 32-spore pansporoblasts were also found, and the taxonomic significance of this is discussed.

Notes: Electron microscopy of the tomite of Conidophrys pitelkae confirms that Jankowski was correct in including the pilisuctorians in the Apostomatida. Like other apostome tomites, the tomite of Conidophrys possesses a rosette opening to the exterior, kinetodesmata made up of stacks of individual kinetodesmal fibrils, and canaliculi that are surrounded by dense inclusion bodies and open on the ventral surface. The fine structure of the trophont of Conidophrys, however, is quite unlike that of other apostome trophonts. The elaborate infraciliature of the tomite disappears immediately after it settles and reappears de novo on the trophont just before tomitogenesis. The cyst wall, which completely encloses the trophont and grows with it, attaches the ciliate to a seta on its, host, the shrimp Crangon crangon. The setae on which tomites settle vary greatly in size and shape, but each appears to have at its tip some digitiform cuticular projections that surmount a pore, which opens into the lumen of the seta. The trophont's only direct connection to its host is at the cytostome, a unique structure formed of delicate tubules that pass through the pore into the lumen of the seta. Ingestion is by micropinocytosis, and there are no visible food reserves.

Notes: Les colorations au protargol ainsi que la microscopie électronique á transmission et á balayage permettent de distinguer quatre parties dans I'organisation de Spirochona gemmipara: la collerette formée d'une entonnoir et d'une volute abritant la ciliature, le pseudatrium, et le cytostome; le cou contenant le cytopharynx, le systéme excréteur. et I'appareil cytoproctal; le corps renfle par les noyaux et les vacuoles digestives: et le pseudostyle allonge assurant la fixation au substrat. En majeure partie, le spirochone est limité par une pellicule non ciliée et dépourvue de cils; la pellicule comprend la membrane cellulaire, un épiplasme épais percé de nombreux pores et des triplets de microtubules (MT) sous-pelliculaires. Principalement située dans I'entonnoir, la ciliature somatiquc du spirochone est répartie en deux ensembles inégaux, le champ gauche et le champ droit. Les cinéties sont séparées par des crétes contenant les MT post-ciliaires disposés en une couche verticale; les MT sous-cinétiens sont nombreux, arrangés parallélement á la base des cinétosomes; ceux-lá présentent également une lame dense et des MT transverses, et une fibre cinétodesmale discrete. Un important réseau de faisceaux fibrillaires est disposé orthogonalement par rapport aux cinéties. La base de I'entonnoir est déprimée en une petite cavitéévasée, le pseudatrium; celui-lá conduit à un cytostome ouvert en permanence. Dépourvu de némadesmes, le cytopharynx est un tube cylindrique formé par une dizaine de rideaux microtubulaires; prés du cytostome, chaque rideau porte en plus quelques MT radiaires assimilés aux lamelles Z des Nassulida. Le phagoplasme est riche en tubules complexes et en vésicules de taille moyenne à contenu contrasté. Le champ X, peu organisé, comprend 10–30 cinétosomes situés à gauche du cytostome; il ne correspond certainement pas á la ciliature périorale droite de Chilodochona. Si cette difference se retrouve chez d'autres Chonotriches, il sera nécessaire de séparer taxonomiquement les espéces possédant une ciliature périorale de celles qui en sont dépourvues.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉ABSTRACTIn the organization of Spirochona gemmipara, four parts can be demonstrated by protargol staining and also by scanning and transmission electron microscopy: the collar, composed of a funnel and a volute, which shelters the cilia, the pseudatrium, and the cytostome: the neck, which contains the cytopharynx, the excretory system, and the cytoproctal apparatus; the body, enlarged by the nuclei and the digestive vacuoles; and the elongated pseudostyle, which ensures attachment to the substrate. Most of the surface of the spirochone is covered by the pellicula devoid of cilia and alveoli; the pellicula comprises the cell membrane, a thick epiplasm perforated with numerous pores and subpellicular triplets of microtubules (MT). The somatic ciliature of the spirochone is located principally in the funnel and is divided into two unequal parts, the left and right fields. The kineties are separated from one another by ridges, each containing one layer of postciliary MT: numerous subkinetal MT run in a parallel direction under the kinetics; moreover, the kinetosomes show a transverse dense spur and MT, and a modest kinetodesmal fiber. A conspicuous net of fibrillar bundles runs orthogonally to the kineties. The base of the funnel forms a small splayed depression, the pseudatrium; the latter leads to a permanently open cytostome. The cytopharynx is a cylindrical tube devoid of nematodesmata but containing ca. 10 microtubular curtains, each bearing also some radial MT resembling the Z lamellae of the Nassulida. The phagoplasm contains many complex tubules and numerous middle-sized vesicles with an electron-dense content. The X field, which is not well organized and comprises 10–30 kinetosomes, lies on the left of the cytostome; it certainly does not correspond to the right perioral ciliature of Chilodochona. If this disparity is found again in other chonotrichs, it will be necessary to separate taxonomically the species that possess a perioral ciliature from those that do not.

Notes: Cells of the ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis GL overproduce and accumulate massive quantities of the heme intermediate, protoporphyrin IX. Protoporphyrin is localized intracellularly in discrete membranous compartments. The amount of porphyrin stored in the cell changes dramatically as cells progress through the growth cycle. Porphyrin overproduction is stimulated by δ-aminolevulinic acid, but only during the mid-stationary phase. Overproduction of protoporphyrin IX apparently results from an increase, late in the growth cycle, of activities subsequent to δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase. Feedback inhibition in the pathway by accumulated protoporphyrin IX does not occur. The presence of Co2+ completely inhibits accumulation of protoporphyrin IX in a manner reversed by δ-aminolevulinic acid. Sn4+ stimulates protoporphyrin IX accumulation in the culture.

Notes: . Strains of Tetrahymena thermophila were examined in an attempt to establish what role certain ions (Na+, K+, Li+, Ba++, Ca++, Mg++, Mn++, Al+++, Fe+++) play in influencing cell survival time in a culture medium. In short-term experiments (20–30 min), cell survival time in a 1% peptone medium is directly related to the valence of the ion employed. Long-term observations (lasting up to five days) in a 1% peptone medium containing lower ion concentrations revealed that the effects on cell-cycle time are not correlated with the valence state of the ion. Comparisons were made among the ionic resistances of strains of T. thermophila, of T. pyriformis sensu stricto, and of two subspecies of T. pigmentosa. Strains within a species are highly correlated in their patterns of ionic response, while marked differences between species occur. The most distinctive group of strains examined came from one of the subspecies (syngen 6) of T. pigmentosa.

Notes: . A two-stage chemostat modified to accommodate the growth of adhesive organisms was used to determine the yield constant, Y, of a representative soil amoeba, Acanthamoeba polyphaga, utilizing as its prey Pseudomonas paucimobilis. The first stage consisted of a glucose-limited bacterial culture in steady state. The second stage consisted of a simplified predator-prey system, nongrowing bacteria serving as the limiting substrate for amoebae. A refined methodology to more accurately determine Y was developed, and Y for Acanthamoeba polyphaga in batch and continuous culture was determined to be 19.1%.

Notes: . The swiftness of thermotaxis of Paramecium caudatum has been investigated for various populations of organisms by measuring the transient spatial distribution of the gathering process of organisms that are transferred to a temperature-gradient cell from the culture medium. The dispersion obtained from the spatial distribution for each population is found to decrease linearly with time and finally reach a steady state value. The gathering rate determined by the slope of the dispersion strongly depends on population; it increases with population.

Notes: . Blastocystis hominis, an anaerobic intestinal protozoan parasite of man, has a generation time (GT) in axenic culture of 8.5–19.4 h, depending on the strain tested. Average GT of the eight strains was 11.7 h. Zero growth time cell counts of 5.0 × 105/ml to 2.0 × 106/ml rose in 3–5 days to 1 × 107 or 1 × 108 cells/ml. The GT was determined for the 24-h period during which the most rapid growth occurred; about 2% of the B. hominis cells were in division during this time. Division under the culture conditions provided was by binary fission, the usual mode for B. hominis in vitro as well as in vivo. Division times were determined also by direct observation of individual dividing cells in slide cultures. These were usually ca. 40–60 min but sometimes as low as 20 min.

Notes: In contrast to the situation in 13 other species of the Tetrahymena pyriformis complex, in which the condensed degenerating old macronucleus lies in the posterior end of the cell during the late stages of conjugation, in Tetrahymena tropicalis that nucleus is found in the anterior portion. This developmental characteristic may be useful for taxonomic purposes as well as being of value in investigations on nucleocytoplasmic interaction.

Notes: Eimeria nuttalli oocysts were found in 58% (21/36) and E. procyonis oocysts in 25% (9/36) of raccoons Procyon lotor in Illinois, and sporocysts of Sarcocystis sp. in 17% (2/12) of other raccoons in Illinois. The oocysts of E. nuttalli were ellipsoidal to ovoid. 15–21 × 12–17 μm, with a one-layered, smooth, colorless wall. The oocysts of E. procyonis were 22–28 × 18–22 μm, with a rough, striated, brownish, two-layered wall. The sporulated sporocysts of Sarcocystis sp. were 11–13 × 8–10 μm. Attempts to infect baby pigs by feeding them sporocysts of Sarcocystis sp. from the raccoon failed.

Notes: Comments are made concerning the work reported at this Conference by Dr. Edith Box. The importance of stress on the animals used in experimental work is emphasized. Difficulties in identification of isosporan species in birds are mentioned.

Notes: A trypanosomatid flagellate, Leptomonas sp., develops and multiplies in the macronucleus (only) of natural and laboratory-reared populations of the ciliate Euplotes. Up to 90% of the natural populations of Euplotes in our test pond had such nuclear infections. Laboratory infections were transmitted to this ciliate by feeding it liberated parasites. Paramecium resisted infections. All laboratory-induced infections were lethal to Euplotes, while control clones of the uninfected ciliates remained viable. This leptomonad, unlike Leptomonas karyophilus (found in Paramecium), shows no leishmanial forms in its several ciliate hosts and shows a varied pattern of locomotion.

Notes: Some generalizations of a decade ago are reexamined in light of modern advances in coccidiology. Perhaps surprisingly, not many modifications need or can yet be made. Future successes of significance will be in areas of immunology and chemical genetics.

Notes: Stocks of the Tetrahymena pyriformis complex have been collected in North America and their mating reactivity has been studied. In addition to stocks mating with Tetrahymena americanis, T. borealis, T. pigmentosa, T. hyperangularis, and T. australis, stocks belonging to old syngen 5 and three new mating groups, numbers 13, 14, and 15, were discovered. Syngen 5 and groups 13 and 14 are distinct “biological” species, based on their reproductive isolation from other groups and on the ability of withingroup crosses to produce immature progeny. These species have been named T. hegewischi n. sp., T. sonneborni n. sp., and T. nipissingi n. sp., respectively. The cross between the two group 15 stocks did not produce immature progeny, and there is not sufficient evidence to conclude that this pair of stocks represents a separate species. Temperature tolerance measurements have been made on stocks representing all known micronucleate members of “pyriformis” complex. Within each species, the range of temperature tolerances is narrow; the average within-species standard deviation is 0.63°C. The species averages range from 32.7 to 40.7°C. Using syngen numbers, the order from lowest to highest temperature tolerance is 9, 8, 10, 7, 6, 4, 13, 14, 12, 11, 5, 3, 2, 1. The large differences among species make temperature tolerance a useful aid in identification, but the origins of the differences among species are unknown.

Notes: Members of the family Sarcocystidae, as defined by Frenkel, have had a complicated history, principally due to the existence of both coccidial and cystic stages. This formerly clandestine relationship resulted in dual or partial designations of nomenclature for individual species. The problem was further compounded by the obligatory heteroxeny of several of the genera, making it impossible to transmit the parasites from one individual to another of a single host. As a result, oocysts similar in appearance, though from hosts separated taxonomically up to the familial level, were sometimes considered to be identical. Discoveries within the last decade have generated much interest and some understanding. Current studies of these and other coccidia should emphasize complete cyclical transmissions with cognizance of potential heteroxeny with the production of tissue cysts in intermediate hosts.

Notes: Book reviews in this article: Ecology and Parasitology. Alexander, M., ed. 1980. Advances in Microbial Ecology Smith, H. G. 1978. The Distribution and Ecology of Terrestrial Protozoa of Sub-Antarctic and Maritime Antarctic Islands Taylor, Angela E. R. & Muller, R., eds. 1980. Vaccines Against Parasites Kreier, Julius P., ed. 1980. Malaria New Textbook of Protozoology Farmer, John N. 1980. The Protozoa: Introduction to Protozoology Phytoflagellates and Serial Endosymbiosis Theory Cox, Elenor R., ed. Phytoflagellates Tappan, Helen. 1980. The Paleobiology of Plant Protists. Margulis, Lynn. 1981. Symbiosis in Cell Evolution: Life and Its Environment on the Early Earth. Intercellular Communication and Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Interactions O'Day, Danton H. & Horgen, Paul A., eds. 1981. Sexual Interactions in Eukaryotic Microbes Whitson, Gary L., ed. 1980. Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Interactions in the Cell Cycle. Invertebrate Texts Alexander, R. McNeill. 1979. The Invertebrates Barnes, Robert D. 1980. Invertebrate Zoology Engemann, Joseph G. & (the late) Hegner, Robert W. 1981 Invertebrate Zoology ATCC Catalogue of Strains Hatt, Harold D., ed. 1980. The American Type Culture Collection: Catalogue of Strains I.

Notes: Polyamines are multiply amine-substituted straight-chain aliphatics; their content in different tissues may vary widely, and their functions are many. Their main routes of biosynthesis originate from ornithine and methionine. Polyamine content and biosynthesis in tryposomatid flagellates are reviewed concluding with emphasis on their possible role as critical drug targets in these parasitic protozoa so pathogenic for man in large areas of the world.

Notes: During spring and autumn, the total number of amoebae and the number of Acanthamoeba species able to grow at 37°C were determined in six thermally polluted factory discharges and the surrounding surface waters. The isolated Acanthamoeba strains were studied for growth in axenic medium, cytopathic effect in Vero cell cultures, and virulence in mice. Although more amoebae were isolated in autumn, the number of Acanthamoeba species was lower than in spring, when the percent of pathogenic strains among the isolates was highest. Higher concentrations of amoebae were found in warm discharges, and more virulent strains occurred in thermal discharges than in surface waters.

Notes: Eight species of loricate choanoflagellates (Acanthoecidae), Acanthoecopsis spiculifera Norris, Bicosta antennigera Moestrup, Bicosta spinifera Throndsen, Calliacantha multispina Manton & Oates, Calliacantha simplex Manton & Oates, Crinolina aperta Leadbeater, Diaphanoeca multiannulata n. sp., and Parvicorbicula socialis (Meunier) Deflandre, have been observed, by light and electron microscopy, in samples obtained from the Weddell Sea during the austral summer of 1977. Diaphanoeca multiannulata is described for the first time from these samples: the other organisms are discussed. The distribution of most species within the Weddell Sea was widespread. Habitats in which choanoflagellates were found included the water column, the edge of (or ponds on) ice floes, and the interior of ice floes. The distributional, environmental, habitat, and/or morphological range of all previously described species is expanded. Methods of variation of transverse costal diameters between genera may be potentially useful to the understanding of taxonomy and phylogeny of this family.

Notes: The surface charge of Tritrichomonas foetus was evaluated by means of the binding of colloidal iron hydroxide particles at pH 1.8 and cationized ferritin particles at pH 7.2 to the cell surface, as visualized by electron microscopy and by direct measurements of the electrophoretic mobility (EPM), of cells suspended in solutions of different ionic strength and pH. At pH 7.2, T. foetus has a negative surface charge with a mean EPM of −1.03 μmμs−1μV−1μcm. At lower pH, there is a decrease in the negative surface charge with an isoelectric point at pH 1.2. At higher pH (〉 9.0), there is an increase in the surface charge reaching an EPM of −2.5 μmμs−1μV−1μcm. These results indicate that the surface of T. foetus contains both negatively and positively charged dissociating groups. Binding of colloidal iron hydroxide and cationized ferritin particles throughout the cell surface of the protozoon was observed. Treatment of T. foetus with neuraminidase or trypsin reduced significantly the EPM of the cells. Enzyme-treated cells recovered their normal EPM when incubated for 6 h in fresh culture medium by a process that is inhibited by puromycin.

Notes: Amastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi were purified from overlays of infected Vero cell cultures by centrifugation over a discontinuous gradient of metrizamide. Pure amastigote preparations were usually recovered from the pellet under the layer of specific gravity 1.086. The isolated amastigotes grew in cell-free ML-15HA medium. Growth rate for the different strains of T. cruzi were in the order Y 〉 Tulahuan 〉 CL. The generation time of amastigotes in ML-15HA medium was 16.8, 18.0, and 26.4 h for the Y, Tulahuen, and CL strains, respectively, in the presence of 5% CO2) and 16.8, 31.2, and 36.4 h, respectively, in the absence of CO2. Intracellular amastigotes did not differ ultrastructurally from amastigotes from either the density-gradient fractionation or culture in cell-free medium.

Notes: Unicapsula seriolae n. sp. forms long plasmodia within the striated muscle fibers of Seriola lalandi off eastern Australia. Its spores are composed of three valves, only one of which contains a developed polar capsule. Within the capsule, the filament makes 2 1/2–3 turns, and this criterion can be used to separate U. seriolae from the two other members of the genus. The flesh of infected fish disintegrates during slow cooking.

Notes: Twenty-nine (64.4%) of 45 reindeer, Rangifer tarandus, examined over a two-year period were infected with trypanosomes. Trypomastigotes and dividing epimastigotes were found in the blood of fawns, cows, and bulls. Morphometric analysis of bloodstream trypomastigotes from reindeer and comparison of these parasites with similar stages of trypanosomes from elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer from the contiguous United States proved them conspecific; the trypanosomes from these members of the Cervidae are identified as Trypanosoma cervi Kingston & Morton, 1975. This is the first report of trypanosomes from reindeer. No pathogenic effects are known to be caused by these parasites.

Notes: We investigated the growth requirements of symbiont-free and symbiont lambda-bearing Paramecium octaurelia stock 299 for folic acid and biopterin in chemically defined culture medium. Symbiont-free P. octaurelia required both folic acid and biopterin for growth. In the absence of these substances growth of symbiont-free P. octaurelia failed after the first transfer, whereas symbiont lambda-bearing P. octaurelia could be maintained indefinitely in serial subculture. In the absence of folic acid and biopterin, sulfanil-amide inhibited growth of the symbiont lambda-beating protozoa. In the presence of folic acid and biopterin, the antiobiotic selectively inhibited growth of lambda symbionts but did not affect growth of the protozoa. In both cases, inhibition by sulfanilamide was reversed by addition of p-aminobenzoic acid to the medium. These results support our earlier finding that folic acid is required for growth of symbiont-free P. octaurelia 299 and that growth of the lambda-bearing strain without exogenous folate denoted synthesis of folic acid by the symbionts. In addition, it appears that the symbionts produce sufficient biopterin to meet the needs of the host protozoon for growth.

Notes: Book Reviewed in this article:Canning, Elizabeth U., ed. 1981. Parasitological Topics: a Presentation Volume to P. C. C. Garnham F.R.S. on the Occasion of His 80th Birthday 1981Krylov, M. V. 1981. Piroplazmidy. [Piroplasms.]Baker, J. R. 1982. The Biology of Parasitic ProtozoaBarriga, Omar O. 1981. The Immunology of Parasitic Infections: a Handbook for Physicians, Veterinarians, and BiologistsBeyer, T. V., Bezukladnikova, N. A., Galuzo, I. G., Konovalova, S. I. & Pak, S. M., eds. 1979. Toksoplasmidy. [The ToxoplasmidsGeltzer, Ya. G., Korganova, G. A., Mavlyanova, M. I. & Nikolyuk, V. I., eds. 1980. Pochvennye Prosteyshie. [The Soil Protozoa.] (ProtozoologiyaBeyer, T. V., Kazakova, I. I., Lakhonina, G. M., Roigas, E. M. & Teras, J. H., eds. 1981. Vzaimootnosheniya Prosteyshikh s Virusami. [The Interaction between Protozoa and Viruses.] (ProtozoologiyaOgimoto, Keiji & Imai, Soichi 1981 Allas of Rumen MicrobiologyLong, Peter L., ed. 1982. The Biology of the CoccidiaLloyd, David, Poole, Robert & Edwards, Steven W. 1982. The Cell Division Cycle: Temporal Organization and Control of Cellular Growth and ReproductionFrederick, J. F., ed. 1981. Origins and Evolution of Eukaryotic Intracellular Organelles. [Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci.Hayat, M. A. 1981. Fixation for Electron MicroscopyBuetow, D. E., ed. 1982. The Biology of Euglena.Ogden, C. G. & Hedley, R. H. 1980. An Atlas of Freshwater Testate AmoebaeParker, S. P., ed. 1982. Synopsis and Classification of Living OrganismsMargulis, L. & Schwartz, K. V. 1982. Five Kingdoms: an Illustrated Guide to the Phyla of Life on EarthCairns, J., Jr., ed. 1982. Artificial SubstratesCurds, C. R. 1982. British and Other Freshwater Ciliated Protozoa

Notes: . Freeze-fracture techniques reveal differences in fine structure between the anterior three flagella of Tritrichomonas foetus and its recurrent flagellum. The anterior flagella have rosettes of 9–12 intramembranous particles on both the P and E faces. The recurrent flagellum lacks rosettes but has ribbon-like arrays of particles along the length of the flagellum, which may be involved in the flagellum's attachment to the cell body. This flagellum is attached to the membrane of the cell body along a distinct groove that contains few discernible particles. Some large intramembranous particles are visible on the P face of the cell body membrane at the point where the flagellum emerges from the cell body. The randomly distributed particles on the P and E faces of the plasma membrane have a particle density of 919/μm2 and 468/μm2 respectively, and there are areas on both faces that are devoid of particles. Freeze-fracture techniques also reveal numerous fenestrations in the membrane of the Golgi complex and about 24 pores per μm2 in the nuclear. membrane.

Notes: . Extraction of the ciliated protozoon Tetrahymena with nonionic detergents produces a surface-related cytoskeleton that consists of a basic lamina of whole-cell dimensions together with associated microtubule and microfilament systems, including all ciliary basal bodies. The organization of the isolated cytoskeleton has been studied using scanning electron microscopy, and several new features are described in the oral region. Here the ciliary basal bodies are arranged in a very stable and highly complex pattern. This pattern was found to be identical in the four species of Tetrahymena we examined. In addition, various microtubular bundles and two separate systems of filaments were observed in scanning electron micrographs of isolated oral skeletons. The appearance of the deep fiber bundle in preparations of this type suggests that it arises, at least in part, as an extension of the ribbed wall microtubules. On the basis of its distribution within the oral skeleton, one of the filament systems described is suggested to be a contractile system responsible for pinching off food vacuoles.

Notes: . Dehydrogenase activity with hydroxysteroids has been observed in Tetrahymena furgasoni (formerly T. pyriformis strain W), and the enzyme responsible has been isolated from this organism. The purified dehydrogenase is active with a variety of steroid alcohols at apparent Km values ranging from 0.2 to 4.0 mM. The C-3 hydroxyl of ring A of the steroid nucleus is the preferred position of oxidation. However, a variety of other secondary alcohols are also substrates, with apparent Km values for 2-butanol, 2-pentanol, and cyclohexanol of 880, 1000. and 150 mM, respectively. With both steroidal and nonsteroidal alcohols. NAD is the preferred co-substrate, although low activity with NADP is observed. Evidence is presented that the activity with secondary alcohols, whether steroidal or not, is the property of a single protein species.

Notes: . Domestic turkeys naturally infected with Leucocytozoon smithi were blinded by bilateral ocular enucleation, pinealectomized, sham-pinealectomized, pinealectomized plus enucleated, or maintained as controls. Groups of turkeys were acclimated to either light-dark periods of 14L:10D or “darkness” with intermittent periods (10–20 min) of red light at irregular hours approximately every three days as required for maintenance of turkeys. Peripheral gametocyte numbers of L. smithi in all groups were determined every 2 h over a 36 h period. Under 14L: 10D photoperiod, no observable difference in the pattern of gametocyte circadian rhythmicity between pinealectomized, enucleated, pinealectomized plus enucleated, and control turkeys was noted. Although mean parasitemias differed among groups, peak gametocyte numbers occurred between 1000 and 1800 h; how parasitemias occurred between 2000 and 0400 h. However, the phase of gametocyte rhythmicity in pinealectomized plus enucleated turkey hosts did exhibit a lag with reference to other hosts when examined by least squares fits of simple harmonics. Under conditions of “darkness” with intermittent, irregular periods of red light, L. smithi gametocyte numbers of individual turkeys, pinealectomized, sham-pinealectomized, or maintained as controls, exhibited a circadian periodicity though parasite cycles were out of phase with the natural photoperiod to which the turkeys previously had been exposed. A slight drift out of phase of L. smithi gametocyte periodicity occurred among turkeys in the sham-pinealectomized and the control groups while a considerably more prominent drift out of phase was seen among the parasite rhythmicity patterns of the pinealectomized birds. Data indicate that the pineal gland of the turkey did not directly mediate L. smithi gametocyte circadian periodicity, although an indirect involvement in regulating the timing of parasite rhythmicity is suggested.

Notes: . The surface of merozoites and sporozoites of Eimeria tenella was affected by incubation with E. tenella-immune chicken serum (ICS). Normal chicken serum (NCS) and heat-inactivated ICS had no effect on the pellicular surface of either developmental stage. Sporozoites formed surface bulges or swellings after 10 min of incubation with ICS, and by 15 min postincubation, the morphology of the sporozoites was distorted by a surface coating of fibrinous material. Merozoites exposed to ICS were similarly coated, but surface swelling was not as severe. The coating formed rapidly and was seen as early as 5 min postincubation. Sporozoites incubated with heat-inactivated ICS supplemented with normal chicken serum were coated with a fibrinous material and in some cases lysed. These data indicated that complement must be present for the surface interaction to occur.

Notes: . The fine structure of the trophozoite, encysting cells, and the cyst of Acanthamoeba astronyxis has been examined. In the trophic form a microtubule organizing center was associated with a well developed Golgi complex. During encystment the organelles of the amoeba changed considerably. The profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum elongated and were often arranged in circles of multilayered concentric systems, enclosing mitochondria, the nucleus, or other inclusions. The mitochondria showed a tendency toward elongation and constriction. One or two nucleolus-like bodies appeared in the nucleus. Lipid droplets increased considerably in amount and were distributed individually or as aggregates. The mature cyst was star-shaped and surrounded by an almost circular exocyst and an endocyst that was closely apposed to the cell membrane. Both walls differed in their thickness and granulation. The exocyst was continuous over the entire cyst, while the endocyst was interrupted by gaps, ostioles. in the region of the rays. Within the ostioles was a bell-shaped structure, the operculum. The latter was composed of a granular material comparable in electron density to that of the endocyst.

Notes: Ambiphrya ameiuri is an ectocommensal peritrich that attaches to the gills of warm-water fishes and filters bacteria from the water. The ultrastructure of this protozoon, its attachment to the fish gills, and its effect on the gill tissue were investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The peritrich attached to the gills by fibers extending from the scopula. A microtubular array, apparently a barren kinetosome, was present in each lobular projection, but no scopular cilia were observed. At low densities Ambiphrya had no apparent harmful effects on the fish; however, at high densities respiration may be impeded. Ultrastructural studies indicate that this organism receives no nourishment from the host tissue.

Notes: Une méthode d'obtention et de maintien des Ciliés du rumen (genre Polyplastron) en culture axénique, est décrite. Elle comporte deux périodes d'incubation en anaérobiose avec différentes associations d'antibiotiques, séparées par un lavage et un renouvellement du milieu nutritif. Dans ces conditions. Polyplastron multivesiculatum est obtenu à l'état axénique et maintenu en survie pendant cinq jours.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉ABSTRACTA method to obtain and keep rumen ciliates (genus Polyplastron) in an axenic condition is described. It consists of two incubating periods with different antibiotic mixtures, separated by washing and renewing of nutrient medium. Under these conditions, Polyplastron multivesiculatum is established in an axenic state and can survive thusly for five days.

Notes: Proteins of whole cell extracts of Naegleria fowleri, precipitated with acetone, have been resolved by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Autoradiograms of the [35S]-methionine-labeled polypeptides were scanned and analyzed by a computer-assisted program in order to determine whether there were correlations between selected attributes of proteins (e.g., subunit size and charge). The majority of the polypeptides had molecular sizes within the range of 20–60 kilodaltons. The mean amount of polypeptide was less for those with molecular sizes between 20 and 45 kilodaltons than for those larger than 45 kilodaltons. The mean amount of polypeptide was greater in the isoelectric focusing range of pH 5–6 than in the range of pH 6–7. Polypeptides in the size range of 20–40 kilodaltons had a median isoelectric point of 6.1, whereas polypeptides in the size range of 40–80 kilodaltons had a median pI of 5.6. Our data indicated that molecular size and charge were not entirely independent variables, and that the composition of a polypeptide might have an important influence on its steady state level in N. fowleri.

Notes: During a survey of the coccidian parasites of reptiles from Iowa, three specimens of Crotalus horridus L., the Timber Rattlesnake, and one of Sistrurus catenatus (Rafinesque), the Massasauga Rattlesnake, were found to be passing oocysts of a Caryospora, here described as C. bigenetica n. sp. Since these snakes (family Crotalidae) are known to subsist mainly on small mammals, oocysts from one of the Timber Rattlesnakes were fed to laboratory white mice (Mus musculus L.) to determine if mammals might be involved as alternate hosts in the life cycle. At necropsy, tissues of the tongue and dermis of the mice revealed a sequence of stages which included mature male and female gamonts, fully sporulated sporocysts, “excysted” sporozoites, and “resting” sporozoites that lay individually in solitary, cyst-like host cells termed “caryocysts.” A coccidia-free Massasauga that was fed an infected mouse, at a time when caryocysts in the mouse would have been present, later passed oocysts similar to those of the original inoculum. These results, along with the discovery of endogenous stages (asexual and sexual) in the intestine of the Timber Rattlesnake and the experimentally infected Massasauga, suggest that this parasite has a heteroxenous life cycle pattern, with sexual stages occurring both in the ophidian and the mammalian hosts.

Notes: Ciliophrys marina is a small marine helioflagellate, with a central nucleus, which is capable of reversibly transforming from a rapidly swimming flagellate cell with no axopodia to the structure of a heliozoan with a flagellum that beats only a few times a minute. When in the flagellate form, the flagellum acts as a tractellum due to the tubular mastigonemes found along its length. When the rapidly swimming flagellate strikes a piece of debris, the flagellum goes through a very characteristic shock-induced avoidance reaction. Similarly, when a mechanical shock is delivered to the cell in its heliozoan form, the axopodia are contracted in less than 20 msec. Both reactions are inhibited in low calcium seawater. Transformation from the heliozoan to the flagellate form is accomplished by slow retraction and absorbance of the axopodia and activation of the flagellum. Ultrastructurally, each axopodium is found to contain three microtubules which attach to the outer nuclear membrane of the central nucleus at sites that this study characterizes by electron microscopy of thin sections and freeze fracture preparations. The mitochondria have tubular cristae, each containing an intracristal filament. Finally, a taxonomic review of the helioflagellates is presented, and it is suggested that C. marina is derived from the chrysomonads. An argument is also made for classifying C. marina with the heliozoan order Actinophryida, as a recently published classification of the protozoa does.

Notes: Laboratory-reared Fundulus grandis and F. heteroclitus were experimentally infected with Eimeria funduli by being fed Palaemonetes pugio (grass shrimp) collected from endemic areas. Histological sections were made of heart, liver, hepatopancreas, spleen, gall bladder, kidney, intestine, peri-intestinal fat, reproductive organs, and brain from F. grandis sacrificed at 1, 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h and from F. heteroclitus at 5, 6, 9, 14, 19, 24, 29, 34, 39, and 44 days after consuming naturally infected shrimp. We first found merogonous stages at day 9 postinfection (p.i.). No developmental stages of the parasite could be positively identified in the tissues of experimentally infected fish prior to day 9 p.i. Mature meronts were found 14 days p.i. The majority contained 8–16 (mean, 13) merozoites, but a few meronts had 18–26 (22) merozoites. Gamonts first appeared on day 14, were mature by day 19, and fertilization was completed by day 24 p.i. After sporoblast formation, sporopodia appeared during sporocyst wall formation, between days 24 and 29 p.i. Sporozoite formation was completed by day 44 p.i. in most sporocysts. Most endogenous stages occurred in hepatocytes; however, pancreatic and spleen cells were sometimes infected with gamonts.

Notes: A recent isolate of Eimeria praecox, strain G, was obtained from Georgia and purified. Studies of the life history, pathogenicity, and cross-immunity of the isolate were conducted to verify its identity. In inoculated three-week-old chickens, the occurrence of merogony and gametogony was limited to the superficial epithelium of the upper intestine. Oocysts, 23 × 19.5 äm, with a shape index of 1.17 were first observed 83 h after inoculation. Mortality and morbidity were not observed in any of the experimental birds. However, there was a positive correlation between dose of oocysts, reduced weight gain, and the incidence of exudative diathesis. These studies showed that E. praecox depresses weight gains in chickens and may be of economic importance. Although complete immunity to avian coccidiosis is believed to be species specific, chickens immune to E. praecox (G) or E. acervulina had a degree of cross-immunity to a heterologous challenge. Electrophoretic analysis of glucose phosphate isomerase and lactate dehydrogenase prepared from the European strain of E. praecox and E. praecox (G) showed no differences, confirming the identity of the isolate as E. praecox.

Notes: The antiviral agent phosphonoacetic acid inhibits growth of Tetrahymena thermophila at concentrations comparable to those inhibiting growth of other eukaryotic cells, with 50% inhibition at 0.5 mM phosphonoacetic acid. The compound is cytotoxk to Tetrahymena at concentrations greater than 2.0 mM. When a culture of Tetrahymena the growth of which was totally inhibited by 2.0 mM phosphonoacetic acid was diluted with fresh medium, growth resumed in an exponential, rather than synchronous, fashion. [2–14C]phosphonoacetic acid is not metabolized by Tetrahymena.

Notes: Agglutinins were not detected in sera from mice given one, two, or three intranasal (i.n.) inoculations or a single intravenous (i.v.) inoculation of trophozoites of Naegleria fowleri. However, agglutinins were produced following second and third i.v. inoculations. Serum immunoglobulin levels increased in both i.n.- and i.v.-inoculated mice. IgG and IgM increased substantially more for i.v.-inoculated mice. IgA levels increased more consistently for i.n.-inoculated mice.

Notes: The sensitivity and specificity of the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test for the detection of serum antibodies were examined in mice that were infected with Eimeria falciformis, E. ferrisi, E. papillata, or E. vermiformis. For the study of each species, five groups of mice were given graded inoculation doses of 10, 102, 103, 104, or 105 sporulated oocysts in a primary infection. The sixth group was infected with three sequential doses of 1.5 times 103, 1.5 times 104, and 1.5 times 105 sporulated oocysts per mouse at two- to three-week intervals. All groups of infected mice developed serum antibodies. Sera were titrated by the IFA test with purified sporozoites. Strong fluorescence and high IFA titers were observed with homologous reactions mainly with the sera from mice infected with the higher inoculation dose levels in primary infections and from those given three sequential inoculation doses. Immunological cross reaction among the four species of Eimeria occurred at dilutions of 1:10 to 1:160. Very weak or no fluorescence of free sporozoites was observed with sera from noninfected mice, and there was no fluorescence of sporozoites contained in intact sporocysts.

Notes: . Allantosoma intestinalis, a suctorian ciliate isolated from the intestine of the horse, was studied utilizing light and electron optical methods. These small sausage-shaped organisms have a varying number of tentacles (between one and 12) located at each extremity of the body. The microtubular axoneme of each tentacle in cross-section consists of two files of microtubules arranged in a daisy-like configuration. Haptocysts occur in the tentacle shaft, abutted to the plasma membrane of the knob of the tentacle, and in the cell body. The haptocysts are bottle-shaped, with prominent annular striations around their midportion. The cell is covered by three membranes, an outer plasma membrane, an outer alveolar, and an inner alveolar membrane. A thin epiplasmic layer is found beneath the inner alveolar membrane, and a single row of microtubules underlies the epiplasm. The subpellicular microtubules are arranged parallel to each other forming a corset around the cell along the long axis: such a system is not characteristic of suctorians. A field of diminutive kinetosomes (each 180 nm long, max. of 15 per field), lacking cilia, was found below the cortex. The function of these prokinetosomes is unknown. A ciliated swarmer has not been observed, only the nonciliated adult. The characteristics of Allantosoma are compared with those of other suctorian genera.

Notes: . Temperature shifts have been used to block critical points in the conjugation sequence of Paramecium tetraurelia. Increasing temperatures above 27°C reduced ciliary agglutination, pair formation, and nuclear exchange; a complete inhibition of these stages occurred at 37°C. Temperatures below 19°C had no effect on ciliary agglutination or nuclear exchange but completely inhibited pair formation. The bases for the cells’ inability to form pairs at 19°C and 37°C were sought. Cells placed below 19°C were unable to deciliate or fuse membranes in the holdfast region; at 37°C, membrane fusion in both the holdfast and paroral regions was prevented. Time course studies on cross-fertilization reveal that temperatures 35°C block all stages of the process up to the actual exchange of pronuclei. After the exchange has begun, the process continues despite the elevated temperature. Temperature shifts are discussed as a means of conditionally blocking critical points in the developmental program of conjugation.

Notes: . [14C]chimyl and [3H]batyl alcohols were added to Crithidia fasciculata cultures during the mid-log phase of cell growth, and the lipid extracts of the cells were analyzed for degradation products. C. fasciculata cells were able to take up exogenous glyceryl ethers, and in amounts as high as the endogenous lipid content. The glyceryl ether taken up by the cells was incorporated into lipids either prior to the ether bond cleavage or after degradation to fatty acid. The extent of degradation and the degree of incorporation of degradation products into cellular lipid were higher for chimyl than for batyl alcohol. Batyl alcohol was not metabolized efficiently, leading to the formation of large intracellular pools of free substrate. One product of glyceryl ether degradation was identified as alkyl-dihydroxy acetone, and was detected inside and outside of the cells. The data strongly suggest that this product is the first stable intermediate in the degradation process and indicate that the extracellular formation of alkyl-dihydroxy acetone is due to the action of exocnzyme; ecteted by the cells. The constant detection of alk I cnyl glycerol among the degradation products indicates the existence of a second mechantsm in C. fasciculata for converting the alkyl-to alkenyl-glycerol.

Notes: . Sick budgerigars from a local aviary were found to be infected with Giardia. The trophozoites were of the Giardia duodenalis type as defined by Filice with elongate median bodies pointed on one or both ends and more or less perpendicular to the long axis of the body. Using three fixation-staining methods, and material from three birds, the length ranged from 10 to 18 μm and the width from 4.5 to 11 μm with a mean length to width ratio of 2. Attempts to culture the trophozoites in vitro from intestinal scrapings were unsuccessful. Also attempts to transmit the infection by fecal cysts to canaries and mice failed. It is proposed that the budgerigar form be called Giardia duodenalis, race psittaci.