A new method for concentration of proteins in the calcareous corpuscles separated from the spargana of Spirometra erinacei

Abstract

Calcareous corpuscles are a characteristic structure found in larval and adult stage cestodes. These corpuscles are known to contain several protein components and to possess protein-binding activity. However, the proteins bound to calcareous corpuscles in situ have not been studied. The present study was undertaken to identify the proteins on calcareous corpuscles. Calcareous corpuscles were purified from the plerocercoids (= spargana) of Spirometra erinacei, and serially dissolved using 0.1 M sulfamic acid solution. Collected supernatants were examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and silver staining. The results showed that only the fraction remaining after the 19th dissolved fraction contained proteins. A total of 20 protein molecules were detected in gel, with major bands at 56, 53, 46, 40, 35, 29, 28, 24.5, 21, 19, 16, 13, 10 and 8 kDa. In particular, the proteins corresponding to the 21 and 16 kDa bands were most abundant. Our results demonstrated for the first time the protein contents of the calcareous corpuscles of spargana. Further studies on the functions of these proteins are required.

Differential protein expression in Spirometra erinacei according to its development in its final host

“…Protein samples for 2-DE were prepared from larvae, juveniles, and adults of S. erinacei as previously described, with modification (Park et al 2005). Briefly, worms in liquid nitrogen were ground using a mortar and pestle.…”

The effects of Pyrantel-Oxantel on the Dipylidium caninum tapeworm: An in vitro study

“…Calcareous corpuscles are composed of an organic base coupled with inorganic substances, such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, silicate, calcium, phosphate (61) , and sulfate in different cysticercus larvae and adult cestodes (64) . Their organic base includes DNA, RNA (65) , proteins (66,67) , and glycogen (46,68) . Therefore, in the present study, the decreased number of immature CCs distributed near the tegument in the P-O group was due to both a high level of absorption via the tegument of the D. caninum cestodes and the length of in vitro incubation.…”