Synchronization of Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocytic Stages in Culture

TLDR

Selective lysis of infected erythrocytes can be achieved with osmotic agents such as D‑mannitol. Synchronous parasite development was achieved by treating cultures with 5 % D‑sorbitol followed by reintroduction into culture. Sorbitol treatment enriched cultures in ring‑stage parasites (~95 % at 48 and 96 h), while trophozoite and schizont stages dominated at 24, 72, and 120 h, and lysis of mature‑stage infected erythrocytes was observed.

Abstract

Synchronous development of the erythrocytic stages of a human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, in culture was accomplished by suspending cultured parasites in 5% D-sorbitol and subsequent reintroduction into culture. Immediately after sorbitol treatment, cultures consisted mainly of single and multiple ring-form infections. At the same time, varying degrees of lysis of erythrocytes infected with the more mature stages of the parasite was evident. Approximately 95% of the parasites were in the ring stage of development at 48 and 96 hr after sorbitol treatment-likewise, a high percentage of trophozoite and schizont stages was observed at 24, 72, and 120 hr. D-Mannitol produced similar, selective, lytic effects.