Eimeria tenella: parasite-specific incorporation of 3H-uracil as a quantitative measure of intracellular development

In Vitro Assessment of Anticoccidials: Methods and Molecules

Simple Summary

Coccidiosis is a major problem in poultry production, leading to significant economic losses. Due to the outbreak of resistance to the available treatments, research is focusing on finding new molecules that work against the pathogen. Botanical compounds represent promising alternatives, but reliable in vitro tests are needed for their screening and to understand their mechanism of action. Research in vitro involves studies on the environmental phase of the parasite and studies on the endogenous development, which occurs inside the host cells and that requires cell cultures or in ovo models to be studied. This review aims to summarize the protocols that have been successfully applied so far, as well as to suggest potential cues to improve research on this field. Moreover, as the surge of botanicals as anticoccidial molecules is on the rise, the intent is to provide an overview of the methods to assess their effectiveness in vitro in comparison with conventional drugs.

Abstract

Avian coccidiosis is a disease causing considerable economic losses in the poultry industry. It is caused by Eimeria spp., protozoan parasites characterized by an exogenous–endogenous lifecycle. In vitro research on these pathogens is very complicated and lacks standardization. This review provides a description of the main in vitro protocols so far assessed focusing on the exogenous phase, with oocyst viability and sporulation assays, and on the endogenous phase, with invasion and developmental assays in cell cultures and in ovo. An overview of these in vitro applications to screen both old and new remedies and to understand the relative mode of action is also discussed.

Establishment of an in vitro chicken epithelial cell line model to investigate Eimeria tenella gamete development

Background

Eimeria tenella infection leads to acute intestinal disorders responsible for important economic losses in poultry farming worldwide. The life-cycle of E. tenella is monoxenous with the chicken as the exclusive host; infection occurs in caecal epithelial cells. However, in vitro, the complete life-cycle of the parasite has only been propagated successfully in primary chicken kidney cells, which comprise undefined mixed cell populations; no cell line model has been able to consistently support the development of the sexual stages of the parasite. We therefore sought to develop a new model to study E. tenella gametogony in vitro using a recently characterised chicken cell line (CLEC-213) exhibiting an epithelial cell phenotype.

Methods

CLEC-213 were infected with sporozoites from a precocious strain or with second generation merozoites (merozoites II) from wild type strains. Sexual stages of the parasite were determined both at the gene and protein levels.

Results

To our knowledge, we show for the first time in CLEC-213, that sporozoites from a precocious strain of E. tenella were able to develop to gametes, as verified by measuring gene expression and by using antibodies to a microgamete-specific protein (EtFOA1: flagellar outer arm protein 1) and a macrogamete-specific protein (EtGAM-56), but oocysts were not observed. However, both gametes and oocysts were observed when cells were infected with merozoites II from wild type strains, demonstrating that completion of the final steps of the parasite cycle is possible in CLEC-213 cells.

Conclusion

The epithelial cell line CLEC-213 constitutes a useful avian tool for studying Eimeria epithelial cell interactions and the effect of drugs on E. tenella invasion, merogony and gametogony.

In vitro inhibition of Eimeria tenella sporozoite invasion into host cells by probiotics

The aim was to study the effects of probiotics isolated from the intestinal tract of livestock animals on Eimeria tenella invasion into Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells in vitro. E. tenella sporozoites were purified and labeled with 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate N-succinimidyl ester before seeding on cell cultures, and invasion was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Two protocols (A and B) were used. In protocol A, Enterococcus faecium # 589 or Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salivarius # 505 were added together with sporozoites to MDBK cell cultures and invasion was evaluated after incubation for approximately 20h. Viable, dead, or spent culture supernatants of probiotics were tested. In protocol B, viable probiotics were incubated with MDBK cells for one hour before sporozoites were added and invasion was evaluated after two more hours of incubation. Parasite invasion of viable, dead, or spent culture supernatant of E. faecium # 589 was assessed. Using protocol A, it was shown that parasite invasion was inhibited by viable (80%) or dead (75%) E. faecium # 589. While inhibition by viable L. salivarius subsp. salivarius # 505 was not valid at the highest concentration and not significant at the other test concentrations, dead cells inhibited parasite invasion up to 45%. Spent culture supernatants of both probiotics had no influence on parasite invasion. Using protocol B, it was shown that viable Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis # 503, E. faecium # 497, E. faecium # 589, L. reuteri # 514, L. salivarius subsp. salivarius # 505, and Bacillus subtilis # 588 inhibited parasite invasion into MDBK cells up to 80%. Anticoccidial activity was strain-specific for E. faecium strains, and the strongest effect was shown by E. faecium # 589. Anticoccidial effects of some of the tested probiotics have already been shown in vivo, which makes them candidates to prevent coccidiosis. These findings have now been confirmed in vitro. The used parasite invasion assay is a fast and inexpensive tool to screen probiotics for prevention of coccidiosis.

Combination of cell culture and qPCR to assess the efficacy of different anticoccidials on Eimeria tenella sporozoites

Three in vitro studies were designed to develop an assay for anticoccidial efficacy by use of laboratory (Houghton) and field (T-376) Eimeria tenella strains. In study (1), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of monensin (Mon), maduramicin (Mad), salinomycin (Sal), and lasalocid (Las) were determined that are able to inhibit more than 50% of sporozoites in host cell (Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK)) penetration and more than 95% of Houghton sporozoites development to mature merozoites (treatment time 24 h) using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). MICs were 0.5, 2.5, 1, and 0.5 μg/ml for Mon, Mad, Sal, and Las, respectively. Applying the previous MIC on T-376 strain revealed a different sensitivity profile. Mad reduced T-376 gene copies by only 89.3% after 96 h of infection. In study (2), Houghton strain sporozoites were incubated with MIC of the different tested ionophores for 2 and 4 h, respectively; afterwards, their ability to invade MDBK cells was determined using phase-contrast microscopy and qPCR. Treatment of sporozoites with ionophores for 4 h resulted in significant inhibition of invasion compared with non-treated parasites as assessed both by microscopy as well as qPCR. Inhibition rates for Mon, Mad, Sal, and Las were 90.2, 75.0, 88.3, and 82.6% using phase-contrast microscopy and 83.9, 81.4, 85.8, and 75.4% using qPCR, respectively. T-376 sporozoite invasion into MDBK cells was reduced to 48.9% by Mad. Study (3) was conducted to determine inhibition exerted by toltrazuril (Tol). Tol at 5 μg/ml reduced reproduction of Houghton strain by 95%, whereas T-376 was only reduced by 86.5%. The presented experiments indicate that infectivity inhibition of sporozoites incubated for 4 h with anticoccidials and development inhibition after 96 h of infection by qPCR are suitable means to assess sensitivity of E. tenella strains to anticoccidials.

Effects of glass bead size, vortexing speed and duration on Eimeria acervulina oocyst excystation

Improved methods for efficient excystation of Eimeria should be developed and standardized for future Eimeria-related studies. Here, the effects of different glass bead sizes (0.5, 1, 2, and 2.5 mm), and various vortex speeds (1000, 2000, and 3000 rpm) and durations (30 s, 1, 3, and 5 min) have been examined for Eimeria (E.) acervulina oocyst excystation. At 3000 rpm, all glass beads, regardless of size, efficiently ruptured E. acervulina oocysts at 5 min. At 2000 and 3000 rpm, all four glass bead sizes increasingly ruptured oocysts in a time-dependent manner. In contrast, at 1000 rpm the excystation efficiency was not related with the glass bead size or with vortexing duration. It appeared that the 1mm glass beads are most efficient for E. acervulina DNA extraction at a 3000 rpm vortexing speed for 3 and 5 min. The 2 mm glass beads delicately released the highest number of intact sporocysts at 2000 rpm for 3 min. Therefore, our data can provide valuable information for the efficient mechanical excystation of E. acervulina.

INTERACTION OF EIMERIA TENELLA WITH INTESTINAL MUCIN IN VITRO

The mucus gel layer overlying the gastrointestinal epithelium plays an important role in host-pathogen interactions. The initial interaction between the coccidian parasite Eimeria tenella and host cells of the intestinal epithelium must occur across this mucus interface. In this study, we examined the relationship between E. tenella and avian mucin, in particular the effect of purified intestinal regional mucin on parasite adherence and invasion in vitro. Secreted mucin from the chicken duodenum and cecum was purified by density gradient centrifugation and gel chromatography. Parasite invasion studies were performed in the Madin-Darby bovine kidney cell model. Eimeria tenella adherence to chicken duodenal mucin was detected, whereas adherence to cecal or bovine mucin was not shown. Parasite invasion into epithelial cells was not influenced by bovine mucin, whereas chicken mucin purified from the duodenum and cecum significantly inhibited invasion. Inhibition of E. tenella invasion into cells by mucin from the duodenum was marginally greater than that of the cecum, but this was not significant. This study demonstrated E. tenella interaction with native chicken intestinal mucin, which in turn inhibited parasite invasion into epithelial cells in vitro.

Anticoccidial kinase inhibitors: Identification of protein kinase targets secondary to cGMP-dependent protein kinase

Trisubstituted pyrrole inhibitors of the essential coccidian parasite cGMP dependent protein kinase (PKG) block parasite invasion and show in vivo efficacy against Eimeria in chickens and Toxoplasma in mice. An imidazopyridine inhibitor of PKG activity with greater potency in both parasite invasion assays and in vivo activity has recently been identified. Susceptibility experiments with a Toxoplasma knock-out strain expressing a complementing compound-refractory PKG allele ('T761Q-KO'), suggest a role for additional secondary protein kinase targets. Using extracts from this engineered T. gondii strain and a radiolabeled imidazopyridine ligand, a single peak of binding activity associated with calmodulin-like domain protein kinase (CDPK1) has been identified. Like PKG, CDPK1 has been implicated in host cell invasion and exhibits sub-nanomolar sensitivity to the compound. Amino acid sequence comparisons of coccidian CDPKs and a mutational analysis reveal that the binding of the ligand to PKG and CDPK1 (but not other CDPK isoforms) is mediated by similar contacts in a catalytic site hydrophobic binding pocket, and can be blocked by analogous amino acid substitutions. Transgenic strains over-expressing a biochemically active but compound-refractory CDPK1 mutant ('G128Q') fail to show reduced susceptibility to the compound in vivo, suggesting that selective inhibition of this enzyme is not responsible for the enhanced anti-parasitic potency of the imidazopyridine analog. An alternative secondary target candidate, the alpha-isoform of casein kinase 1 (CK1alpha), shows sensitivity to the compound in the low nanomolar range. These results provide an example of the utility of the Toxoplasma model system for investigating the mechanism of action of novel anticoccidial agents.

Chicken Primary Enterocytes: Inhibition ofEimeria tenellaReplication After Activation with Crude Interferon-γ Supernatants

A reproducible and original method for the preparation of chicken intestine epithelial cells from 18-day-old embryos for long-term culture was obtained by using a mechanical isolation procedure, as opposed to previous isolation methods using relatively high concentrations of trypsin, collagenase, or EDTA. Chicken intestine epithelial cells typically expressed keratin and chicken E-cadherin, in contrast to chicken embryo fibroblasts, and they increased cell surface MHC II after activation with crude IFN-gamma containing supernatants, obtained from chicken spleen cells stimulated with concanavalin A or transformed by reticuloendotheliosis virus. Eimeria tenella was shown to be able to develop until the schizont stage after 46 hr of culture in these chicken intestinal epithelial cells, but it was not able to develop further. However, activation with IFN-gamma containing supernatants resulted in strong inhibition of parasite replication, as shown by incorporation of [3H]uracil. Thus, chicken enterocytes, which are the specific target of Eimeria development in vivo, could be considered as potential local effector cells involved in the protective response against this parasite.

In vitro inhibition of Eimeria tenella invasion by indigenous chicken Lactobacillus species

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of indigenous chicken Lactobacillus species isolates from different parts of the gastrointestinal tract on Eimeria tenella invasion in vitro and to characterise the nature of inhibition, if any. The effects of competitive exclusion, steric interference and bacterial extracellular factors on E. tenella invasion were examined in an MDBK cell model. Several Lactobacillus species were initially isolated from chickens and identified by biochemical characteristics and 16S-rRNA. All Lactobacillus species isolates tested, significantly inhibited E. tenella invasion. Steric interference did not affect parasite invasion. Extracellular metabolic factors secreted by Lactobacillus species isolates into the surrounding media were shown to inhibit parasite invasion and these factors appeared to be heat stable. These results show that the natural microflora of poultry can provide a source of E. tenella-inhibiting Lactobacillus species in vitro, and thus may contribute to the control of Eimeria infection.

A role for coccidian cGMP-dependent protein kinase in motility and invasion

The coccidian parasite cGMP-dependent protein kinase is the primary target of a novel coccidiostat, the trisubstituted pyrrole 4-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(1-methylpiperidine-4-yl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl] pyridine (compound 1), which effectively controls the proliferation of Eimeria tenella and Toxoplasma gondii parasites in animal models. The efficacy of compound 1 in parasite-specific metabolic assays of infected host cell monolayers is critically dependent on the timing of compound addition. Simultaneous addition of compound with extracellular E. tenella sporozoites or T. gondii tachyzoites inhibited [3H]-uracil uptake in a dose-dependent manner, while minimal efficacy was observed if compound addition was delayed, suggesting a block in host cell invasion. Immunofluorescence assays confirmed that compound 1 blocks the attachment of Eimeria sporozoites or Toxoplasma tachyzoites to host cells and inhibits parasite invasion and gliding motility. Compound 1 also inhibits the secretion of micronemal adhesins (E. tenella MIC1, MIC2 and T. gondii MIC2), an activity closely linked to invasion and motility in apicomplexan parasites. The inhibition of T. gondii MIC2 adhesin secretion by compound 1 was not reversed by treatment with calcium ionophores or by ethanol (a microneme secretagogue), suggesting a block downstream of calcium-dependent events commonly associated with the discharge of the microneme organelle in tachyzoites. Transgenic Toxoplasma strains expressing cGMP-dependent protein kinase mutant alleles that are refractory to compound 1 (including cGMP-dependent protein kinase knock-out lines complemented by such mutants) were used as tools to validate the potential role of cGMP-dependent protein kinase in invasion and motility. In these strains, parasite adhesin secretion, gliding motility, host cell attachment and invasion displayed a reduced sensitivity to compound 1. These data clearly demonstrate that cGMP-dependent protein kinase performs an important role in the host-parasite interaction.

Comparative development of Eimeria tenella (Apicomplexa) in host cells in vitro

Attempts to propagate Eimeria tenella in cell culture over the years have met with limited success. The host cell type is an important parameter in such cultures. This study assessed the ability of different host cell lines to support E. tenella infection in vitro. The initial development in cell lines and the effects of incubation at 37 degrees C and 41 degrees C on the host-parasite relationship was investigated. Eleven cell lines were seeded into 96 well plates and incubated at 37 degrees C in 5% CO(2) to reach confluency. Sporozoites of E. tenella were inoculated into wells and allowed to invade at 37 degrees C and 41 degrees C. Intracellular parasite development was quantified using (3)H-uracil incorporation. All cell lines facilitated parasite invasion and development. The MDBK cell line supported the highest degree of E. tenella development. A time-course study was undertaken to look at this host cell-parasite relationship during infection.

Purification and molecular characterization of cGMP-dependent protein kinase from Apicomplexan parasites. A novel chemotherapeutic target

The trisubstituted pyrrole 4-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(1-methylpiperidine-4-yl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]pyridine (Compound 1) inhibits the growth of Eimeria spp. both in vitro and in vivo. The molecular target of Compound 1 was identified as cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) using a tritiated analogue to purify a approximately 120-kDa protein from lysates of Eimeria tenella. This represents the first example of a protozoal PKG. Cloning of PKG from several Apicomplexan parasites has identified a parasite signature sequence of nearly 300 amino acids that is not found in mammalian or Drosophila PKG and which contains an additional, third cGMP-binding site. Nucleotide cofactor regulation of parasite PKG is remarkably different from mammalian enzymes. The activity of both native and recombinant E. tenella PKG is stimulated 1000-fold by cGMP, with significant cooperativity. Two isoforms of the parasite enzyme are expressed from a single copy gene. NH(2)-terminal sequence of the soluble isoform of PKG is consistent with alternative translation initiation within the open reading frame of the enzyme. A larger, membrane-associated isoform corresponds to the deduced full-length protein sequence. Compound 1 is a potent inhibitor of both soluble and membrane-associated isoforms of native PKG, as well as recombinant enzyme, with an IC(50) of <1 nm.

Nutrient acquisition by intracellular apicomplexan parasites: staying in for dinner

The intracellular forms of the apicomplexan parasites Plasmodium, Toxoplasma and Eimeria reside within a parasitophorous vacuole. The nutrients required by these intracellular parasites to support their high rate of growth and replication originate from the host cell which, in turn, takes up such compounds from the extracellular milieu. Solutes moving from the external medium to the interior of the parasite, are confronted by a series of three membranes --the host cell membrane, the parasitophorous vacuole membrane and the parasite plasma membrane. Each constitutes a potential permeability barrier which must be either crossed or bypassed. It is the mechanisms by which this occurs that are the subject of this review.

In vitro quantitative analysis of (3)H-uracil incorporation by Sarcocytis neurona to determine efficacy of anti-protozoal agents

Parasite-specific incorporation of (3)H-uracil was used to assess the replication of Sarcocystis neurona, a protozoal parasite associated with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Anti-protozoal drugs, pyrimethamine (0.01, 0.1 and 1.0microg/ml PYR), sulfadiazine (5microg/ml; SDZ), sulfamethoxazole (5microg/ml; SMZ), diclazuril (100ng/ml; DCZ), atovaquone (0.04ng/ml; ATQ), tetracycline (5microg/ml; TET) and the herbicide glyphosate (1.5 and 4.5mM; GLY) were studied with varying S. neurona parasite densities (2x10(1)-1.2x10(6)merozoites/well). A microtiter plate format was used to test these compounds, and incorporation of (3)H-uracil was determined using a semi-automated plate harvester and liquid scintillation counter. When PYR, DCZ, ATQ, SMZ, SDZ, and TET were tested, the assay was most reliable when parasite densities were greater than 9.0x10(4) individual merozoites per well. When the herbicide GLY was tested, as few as 900 individual merozoites were sufficient to demonstrate reduction in parasite proliferation. Of the anti-protozoal drugs commonly used to treat EPM, PYR was the most potent anti-S. neurona agent tested. The herbicide GLY appears to be more potent than all of the other compounds tested in vitro; however information regarding in vivo use of GLY is not available, and central nervous system penetration by this compound is unlikely. Incorporation of (3)H-uracil by replicating S. neurona is quantitative and can be used in a semi-automated assay. This in vitro assay is capable of high throughput screening of candidate drugs that may have applications in a clinical setting. Further studies using a wider range of drug concentrations with optimal numbers of merozoites are necessary to determine true potency of these agents.

Experimental infection of murine splenic lymphocytes and granulocytes with Toxoplasma gondii RH tachyzoites

Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan infecting many kinds of eukaryotic cells, has been used to experimentally infect macrophages, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and various cancer cells, but rarely T and B lymphocytes or granulocytes. The present study was performed to determine the susceptibility of murine (BALB/c or CBA) splenic T and B lymphocytes, and granulocytes to infection with T. gondii RH tachyzoites. The ultrastructure of the infected host cells was observed by TEM, and the degree of intracellular parasite proliferation was quantified using 3H-uracil uptake assay. At 24 hrs post-culture, the host cell cytoplasm was found to contain 1 or 2, or a maximum of 7-8 tachyzoites. Infected T lymphocytes demonstrated a peripherally displaced nucleus, a parasitophorous vacuole enveloping the parasite, and an increased number of mitochondria. In B lymphocytes infected with tachyzoites, RER was not well developed compared to uninfected B lymphocytes. Uninfected granulocytes contained many electron-dense granules, but T. gondii-infected granulocytes demonstrated a decreased number of granules. Based on the 3H-uracil uptake assay, the susceptibility of T and B lymphocytes, and granulocytes, to infection with T. gondii tachyzoites was fairly high irrespective of cell type and strain of mouse. This strongly suggests deterioration in the functioning of infected host immune cells.

Apicidin: a novel antiprotozoal agent that inhibits parasite histone deacetylase

A novel fungal metabolite, apicidin [cyclo(N-O-methyl-L-tryptophanyl-L -isoleucinyl-D-pipecolinyl-L-2-amino-8-oxodecanoyl)], that exhibits potent, broad spectrum antiprotozoal activity in vitro against Apicomplexan parasites has been identified. It is also orally and parenterally active in vivo against Plasmodium berghei malaria in mice. Many Apicomplexan parasites cause serious, life-threatening human and animal diseases, such as malaria, cryptosporidiosis, toxoplasmosis, and coccidiosis, and new therapeutic agents are urgently needed. Apicidin's antiparasitic activity appears to be due to low nanomolar inhibition of Apicomplexan histone deacetylase (HDA), which induces hyperacetylation of histones in treated parasites. The acetylation-deacetylation of histones is a thought to play a central role in transcriptional control in eukaryotic cells. Other known HDA inhibitors were also evaluated and found to possess antiparasitic activity, suggesting that HDA is an attractive target for the development of novel antiparasitic agents.

[Comparative susceptibility of different cell lines for culture of Toxoplasma gondii in vitro]

In order to establish a useful cell culture system for T. gondii, we compared the degree of proliferation of T. gondii tachyzoites among 8 different cell lines; 2 kinds of normal animal cells (MDCK-canine kidney cells; Vero-monkey kidney cells) and 6 kinds of human tumor cells (A 549, PC 14-lung cancer cells; SNU 1, SNU 16, MKN 45-stomach cancer cells; HL-60-promyelocytic leukemia cells), through morphological observation and 3H-uracil uptake assay. The degree of susceptibility to infection with T. gondii tachyzoites was highest in A 549 and PC 14 cells, medium in Vero, HL-60, MDCK and SNU 1, and lowest in SNU 16 and MKN 45 cells. The kinetics of T. gondii multiplication during the post-infection 60 hours were highly dependent upon the dose of tachyzoites administered and the duration of cultivation. These results show that A 549 and PC 14 are the most suitable cell lines among the 8 tested for the growth and multiplication of T. gondii in vitro.

Comparative development of Eimeria tenella in primary chick kidney cell cultures derived from coccidia-resistant and -susceptible chickens

A sixfold difference in resistance to coccidia (Eimeria tenella) infection between a resistant and a susceptible line of Auburn White Leghorn chickens, derived by selective breeding, has been reported. The purpose of the following study was to determine whether the resistance or susceptibility phenomenon in the Auburn lines could be manifested in a homogeneous group of isolated host kidney cells that support E. tenella development in vitro but not normally in vivo. Propagation of the parasite in host cells in vitro eliminates humoral and cellular elements of immunity, and allows the study of host genetic influences at the cellular level. Differences in parasite development were examined between the two lines of cells in vitro after 48 and 96 h of incubation; time periods that reflect initial infection of the host cells by the parasite and the subsequent asexual development. Quantification of differences by liquid scintillation counting was based on parasite-specific incorporation of pyrimidines, specifically [3H]-uracil. The results supported previous findings that overall E. tenella development was significantly greater in the host cells from the susceptible line than in the cells from the resistant cultures at both time periods.

In vivo expression of in vitro anticoccidial activity

Large-scale screening has led to the identification of several experimental compounds that have very potent intrinsic activity against coccidia, but the lack of translation to in vivo efficacy has been a major hurdle in developing such leads into effective new drugs. We developed methods to explore the impact of oral availability and appropriate distribution in tissue, both of which are potentially important factors in the expression of activity in vivo. For the compounds that we examined, neither oral absorption nor distribution to the site of infection appeared to be the critical barrier to in vivo expression of intrinsic anticoccidial activity. Elucidation of the nature of additional factors that might be involved could assist greatly in the identification of useful new anticoccidial agents.

Eimeria tenella: growth and drug sensitivity in tissue culture under reduced oxygen

For Plasmodium falciparum in culture, growth is enhanced as oxygen tension is lowered and drug susceptibility, particularly susceptibility to 70S ribosomal and mitochondrial inhibitors, changes. Whether similar effects occur in Eimeria tenella was tested as a possible explanation for why certain 70S ribosomal inhibitors, while active in Eimeria-infected birds, are virtually inactive in vitro under ambient oxygen conditions. It was reasoned that perhaps these agents would exhibit good in vitro potency under reduced oxygen conditions. Such proved not to be the case, and it was further found that no positive effect on Eimeria growth occurred under these conditions. Finally, lowering oxygen tension had no substantial effects on sensitivity to anticoccidials or mitochondrial inhibitors.

Further investigation of anticoccidial activity of 7-bromo-N-(2-imidazolidinylidene)-1H-indazol-6-amine

The clonidine analog 7-bromo-N-(2-imidazolidinylidene)-1H-indazol-6-amine exhibits potent activity against Eimeria tenella infections in chickens. Disease control was abrogated by a selective alpha 2 antagonist, which is consistent with the dependence of such activity upon binding to receptors with characteristics of the vertebrate alpha 2 adrenoceptor. Lack of significant activity against the parasite in tissue culture and our inability to detect significant binding of alpha 2 adrenergic ligands to E. tenella imply that the anticoccidial action may be an indirect effect mediated by the host. Efficacy varied, depending upon the Eimeria species, being greatest for the cecal species E. tenella and less for the intestinal species. The effects described differ substantially from previous accounts of adrenergic actions on parasitic protozoa. The evidence suggests that we have observed a new mechanism of action for antiparasitic drugs.

Incorporation of exogenous uracil by Cryptosporidium parvum in vitro

Oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum were used to infect Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells. Cultures were incubated in a reduced-oxygen atmosphere in candle jars or in a 5% CO2-95% air atmosphere. At 72 h, parasites were quantitated microscopically and found to be enhanced 5.5-fold in the reduced-oxygen atmosphere. Using candle jars, we then determined that C. parvum was amenable to [3H]uracil incorporation assays and easily quantitated with this method.

In situ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantitate in vitro development of Eimeria tenella

An in situ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed to measure in vitro development of Eimeria tenella. The assay used a polyclonal, anti-merozoite serum produced by immunization with culture-derived, chromatographically purified merozoites. Although this antiserum cross-reacted with sporozoite-infected cultures (by indirect immunofluorescence and in situ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), it clearly distinguished the increase in antigen synthesized throughout intracellular growth. The assay can be used for high-throughput, anticoccidial drug screening, for which it gives quantitative results that are comparable to the published radiometric [( 3H]uracil incorporation) endpoint.

Improved techniques for the in vitro cultivation of Eimeria tenella in primary chick kidney cells

Primary kidney cells of 1- to 4-week-old chickens (PCKC) grown in Flexiperm chambers or culture flasks were infected with ultrapure sporozoites of two Eimeria tenella strains. For the 24-h parasite-free adaptation phase of the PCKC culture, Williams E medium plus 10% foetal calf serum (FCS) was used, and for the subsequent parasite-containing 168-h maintenance phase, we used medium 199 plus 2.5% FCS. Monolayers established during that time enabled the routine development of all schizont generations as well as, in general, young oocysts. The parasite stages propagated in FLEX were rendered visible by modified PAS-AO staining. Sporulated oocytes differed in length and width from those recovered after their passage through chickens. These results show that E. tenella can reliably be reproduced from sporozoites to oocysts in PCKC cultures. However, the yield of oocysts was generally low, indicating that mass production of oocysts is achieved only by passaging sporulated oocysts through chickens.

Eimeria tenella and E. acervulina: lymphokines secreted by an avian T cell lymphoma or by sporozoite-stimulated immune T lymphocytes protect chickens against avian coccidiosis

The role of avian lymphokines as nonspecific immunomodulators of host immunity against the intracellular parasite Eimeria was investigated. Prophylactic treatment of normal chickens with crude cell-free supernatants obtained from JMV-1 culture, concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated normal spleen cells, or sporozoite-stimulated immune T cells prior to inoculation with E. tenella or E. acervulina conferred significant protection. These crude cell-free culture supernatants also inhibited intracellular development of eimerian parasites in vitro. Avian macrophages pretreated with these supernatant preparations showed inhibitory activity against Eimeria. This inhibitory activity could not be ascribed to anti-Eimeria antibody, complement, or cell-free Marek's disease virus and was therefore considered to be due to immunomodulating lymphokines present in the culture supernatants. These results suggest that JMV-1-transformed T lymphoblastoid cells, immune T lymphocytes, and Con A-stimulated normal spleen cells secrete lymphokines that can enhance host immunity in a nonspecific manner and implicate cell-mediated immunity as a major mechanism of the protective host immune response against eimerian infections.

[Development of Eimeria tenella in MDBK cell culture with a note on enhancing effect of preincubation with chicken spleen cells]

Eimeria tenella, an intracellular protozoan parasite infecting the epithelial cells of the ceca of chickens, causes severe diarrhea and bleeding that can lead its host to death. It is of interest that E. tenella first penetrate into the mucosal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) before they parasitize crypt or villous epithelial cells. This in vitro study was undertaken to know whether the penetration of E. tenella into such a lymphoid cell is a beneficial step for the parasite survival and development. Three sequential experiments were performed. First, the in vitro established bovine kidney cell line, MDBK cells, were evaluated for use as host cells for E. tenella, through morphological observation. Second, the degree of parasite development and multiplication in MDBK cells was quantitatively assayed using radioisotope-labelled uracil (3H-uracil). Third, the E. tenella sporozoites viability was assayed after preincubation of them with chicken spleen cells. E. tenella oöcysts obtained from the ceca of the infected chickens were used for the source of the sporozoites. Spleen cells (E) obtained from normal chickens (FP strain) were preincubated with the sporozoites (T) at the E:T ratio of 100:1, 50:1 or 25:1 for 4 or 12 hours, and then the mixture was inoculated into the MDBK cell monolayer. Morphologically the infected MDBK cells revealed active schizogonic cycle of E. tenella in 3-4 days, which was characterized by the appearance of trophozoites, and immature and mature schizonts containing merozoites. The 3H-uracil uptake by E. tenella increased gradually in the MDBK cells, which made a plateau after 48-60 hours, and decreased thereafter. The uptake amount of 3H-uracil depended not only upon the inoculum size of the sporozoites but also on the degree of time delay (preincubation; sporozoites only) from excystation to inoculation into MDBK cells. The 3H-uracil uptake became lower as the preincubation time was prolonged. In comparison, after preincubation of sporozoites with spleen cells for 4 or 12 hours, the 3H-uracil uptake was significantly increased compared with that of control group. From the results, it was inferred that, although the penetration of E. tenella sporozoites into the lymphoid cells such as IEL is not an essential step, it should be at least a beneficial one for the survival and development of sporozoites in the chicken intestine.

Demonstration of acid phosphatase in Eimeria spp.: partial characterization of the enzyme in E. vermiformis

Sporozoite extracts of E. vermiformis, E. stiedai, and E. tenella are rich in acid phosphatase activity. They contain specific enzyme activities equal to or greater than those reported for other highly virulent protozoan parasites. The absolute amount of enzyme activity per oocyst dramatically increases during sporulation of E. stiedai and E. vermiformis. Partial characterization of the acid phosphatase activity of E. vermiformis indicates that sporozoites account for greater than 92% of the total activity in sporulated oocysts, that the enzyme is resistant to inhibition by tartrate, and that it can be separated into two forms by anion exchange chromatography.

Identification and characterization of cDNA clones encoding antigens of Eimeria tenella

An Eimeria tenella cDNA library was constructed in the expression vector lambda gt11 from poly (A+) RNA extracted from sporulating oocysts. The library was screened with rabbit antiserum raised against antigens extracted from fully sporulated oocysts. All of the antigen-expressing plaque-purified clones were initially characterized by cross screening with antisera raised against different stages of the E. tenella life cycle, as well as with antiserum raised against sporozoites of a related species, namely E. acervulina. A selected number of clones were further characterized by antibody selection coupled with immunoblotting and DNA cross hybridization. Three different E. tenella antigens were identified. All three appear to be constitutively expressed at the protein level during sporogony.