THE ULTRASTRUCTURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF MICROPORES IN THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTAL FORMS OF EIMERIA BRUNETTI

Abstract

The structure and distribution of micropores in the various developmental stages of E. brunetti was examined. Micropores were observed in all endogenous forms with the exception of the microgamete. Oocysts from chicken feces were examined at various stages of sporulation and micropores were demonstrated in zygotes, sporoblasts, sporozoites and the residual cytoplasmic masses. The number of micropores per organism seemed correlated to surface area of the organisms irrespective of whether these were endogenous or sporulating forms. Increase in the number of micropores did not seem related to micropore activity as seemingly active micropores were observed only in the trophozoites, in early multinucleate forms (early schizonts and microgamonts) and in early macrogamonts. All these forms, however, possessed relatively few micropores. No active micropores were seen within the sporulating oocysts.