ACID-HYDROLASES OF TRYPANOSOMATID FLAGELLATES

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 36  (4) , 335-341
Abstract
Homogenates from 5 spp. of trypanosomatids [Crithidia fasciculata, C. luciliae, Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma cruzi and T. brucei] were screened for the presence of a series of acid hydrolases. The insect flagellate, Crithidia sp., contains 5 enzymes reminiscent of plant parasitism, which were absent from or of very low specific activity in parasites of the genera, Trypanosoma and Leishmania. The latter mammalian parasites, on the other hand, exhibited higher acid proteinase and .alpha.-D-mannosidase activity levels.