Cellular growth and mitochondrial ultrastructure of leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis promastigotes are affected by the iron chelator 2,2-dipyridyl.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Iron is an essential element for the survival of microorganisms in vitro and in vivo, acting as a cofactor of several enzymes and playing a critical role in host-parasite relationships. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is a parasite that is widespread in the new world and considered the major etiological agent of American tegumentary leishmaniasis. Although iron depletion leads to promastigote and amastigote growth inhibition, little is known about the role of iron in the biology of Leishmania. Furthermore, there are no reports regarding the importance of iron for L. (V.) braziliensis.

Methodology/principal findings

In this study, the effect of iron on the growth, ultrastructure and protein expression of L. (V.) braziliensis was analyzed by the use of the chelato

SUBMITTER: Mesquita-Rodrigues C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3798463 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature