A quick test for screening the carcinogenicity of certain chemicals, using various protozoan parasites
el-Mofty, M.M.; Abdelmeguid, N.; Michael, A.E.; el-Marhouni, K.M.
Folia Morphologica 36(4): 350-356
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-5640 PMID: 3229685 Document Number: 310761
Ultrastructural changes in parasitic ciliates (Nyctotheroides puytoraci) and flagellates (Opalina sudafricana and Protoopalina sp.) were observed after injection of their host (Bufa regularis) with a single dose of 0.5 ml beta-naphthylamine (BNA) per toad. The experiments were carried out during the host's pre-breeding season. Trophozoites of the given parasites were examined 21 days after the injection. Ultrastructural changes observed in the parasites after the aministration of BNA were taken as an index for the diagnosis of carcinogenicity. An increase was found in the Golgi complex, the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the number of ribosomes. In addition, there was a change in the mitochondrial content of the three parasitic trophozoites, accompanied by morphological ultrastructural changes in the mitochondria. The changes could be a valuable guide if these protozoans were to be used in biological tests for detecting the possible of different substances.