Localization of Tubulin from the Carcinogenic Human Liver Fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini.

BACKGROUND

Opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini, is of considerable public health importance in Southeast Asia, particularly in Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand. The infection is associated with a number ofhepatobiliary diseases including cholangitis, obstructive jaundice, hepatomegaly, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis and cholangiocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to localize the expression sites of 0. viverrini tubulin using immunohistochemistry by monoclonal anti α-tubulin (MAαT) and anti β-tubulin (MAβT).

METHODS

The adult worms of O. viverrini, and the adult worm of O. viverrini in biliary system of hamsters were fixed, cryo-sectioned and then immunohistochemically stained. The sections were incubated with MAαTor MAβT. A positive test required the observation of brown-staining in the fluke's organs.

RESULTS

The immunohistochemistry of MAαT and MAβT in adult worms of O. viverrini, and the adult worm of O. viverrini in biliary system of hamsters strongly expresses in the sperm and seminal vesicles of the worm. MAαT and MAβT expressed slightly in sub-tegumental tissue, stromalparenchyma, muscle fibers, and miracidium in the mature egg of the worm. No staining in the spermatogonia, gut epithelium, immature egg, tegument or vitelline glands of the worm nor in the hamster bile duct epithelium was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that O. viverrini tubulin is present in the reproductive organs and other important organs of the worm. Because it plays a key role in the biological processes of cellular motility and fertility it should be further studied in detail including the characterization, production of recombinant proteases, and their application in immunodiagnosis.