Detecção de fibronectina e laminina em cistos teciduais de toxoplasma gondii: ensaios imunocitoquímicos / Detection of fibronectin and laminin in toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts: immunocytochemical assays

ABSTRACT

Aims: To analyze the existence and distribution of some matrix proteins in tissue cysts of Toxoplasma gondii. Methods: Laminin and fibronectin in tissue cysts of Toxoplasma gondii were detected by confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Ultrastructural immunocytochemistry showed both glycoproteins in the granular region of tissue cysts, cystic matrix, micronemes, rhoptries, dense granules and rarely at the membrane of bradyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. Conclusions: The presence of both laminin and fibronectin in secretory organelles and in the apical region of bradyzoites suggests that exocytosis of these glycoproteins can contribute to their interaction with host cells, besides composing the cyst matrix of Toxoplasma gondii.