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MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES IN EIMERIA TENELLA [ Vol. XXIV, Part IV,
enzymes which are able to decrease the hydrotropic properties of the mucoids or
mucolipids. On the other hand, increased hydration and dispersion of particles,
leading to liquefaction of cytoplasm must be brought about by enzymes or other
substances which are able to increase the hydrotropic properties of mucoids or mucoli-
pids. The protoplasm is an organised system of hydrotropic and lipotropic sub-
stances, and therefore, the condition of the whole cell must be changed by any
agent which is able either to decrease or increase the hydrotropic or lipotropic pro-
perties of these substances [Mónne and Hardé, 1952].
Mucopolysaccharides increase the water uptake of the cell, consequently pro-
duce swelling of various structures and are responsible for the formation of body
cavities [Mónne and Hardé, 1950], and possibly vacuoles. Further, the mucoids
may activate some physiological processes by changing the colloidal condition of the
protoplasm. They may be playing an important role in energy yielding processes
by increasing the accessibility of the enzymes to the substrate molecules, as more
watery condition of the latter means greater contact between the two [Mónne and
Hardé, 1952]. These important roles which the mucopolysaccharides play in the
cell physiology are due to their physico-chemical properties.
Mucopolysaccharides have been shown to exist at various stages of Eimeria
tenella, the gradient closely following the curve of physiological activity of the en-
dogenous cycle. A fair reserve of mucopolysaccharides in the form of mucoid
sulphate granules around the nucleus, and hyaluronic acid concentrated in the nucleus,
is present in sporozoite. After the parasite has established in the epithelial cell
these substances progressively increase in amount which is a step preparatory to
the active metabolic activity ahead of the nucleus and cytoplasm respectively.
During schizogony stress of the active multiplication is felt by the rapidly
multiplying nuclei which at this stage are replete with hyaluronic acid. After the
nuclear division has proceeded to its predetermined extent the theatre of activity
shifts to the cytoplasm which has to apportion around each nuclear fragment to
form merozoites. Hyaluronic acid follows trek of this activity. It spreads out from
the nucleus into the cytoplasm in the form of irregular colloidal matrix. Its presence
in exaggerated quantity, first in the nuclei and then in the cytoplasm around them,
is quite conceivable in that it facilitates nuclear division by creating more fluid
condition of the nucleoplasm. When this function has been discharged and nuclei
entered a resting stage, hyaluronic acid activity shifts to the cytoplasm to prepare
ground for its division. It is quite probable that this acid mucoid accelerates nuclear
and later extranuclear physiological activities by facilitating supply of necessary
energy required to support these reactions by bringing the enzymes and substrates
in intimate contact. With rise in tempo of activity in cytoplasm of schizont mucoid
sulphates also increase in amount.
Merozoite (first generation) has inherited a small store of hyaluronic acid in
its nucleus, and polysaccharide sulphate in the form of a cap at the anterior (more
pointed) end. It is highly probable that the mucopolysaccharide present at the
tip of anterior pole may help the parasite in anchoring at the epithelial cell surface
by sticking it to the latter's wall which may be softened and liquefied through its
water-attracting property resulting in the establishment of a port of entry for the