THE EFFECT OF PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM EXOANTIGENS ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF UNINFECTED ERYTHROCYTES

It was observed that uninfected red cells resuspended in supernatant from Plasmodium falciparum cultures, then examined between a glass slide and cover-slip, assumed varying morphologies. A series of experiments suggested that P. falciparum releases molecules which cause red cells to become stomatocytic (cupped). These molecules, some of which are heat-stable, have an apparent molecular weight >12 kDa, are released at or about schizogony, and do not bind tightly to erythrocytes. © 1990, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.