Figure 7From: RNA Seq analysis of the Eimeria tenella gametocyte transcriptome reveals clues about the molecular basis for sexual reproduction and oocyst biogenesis EtHAP2 expression is restricted to E. tenella microgametes. (a) Sections of E. tenella-infected chicken caeca (144 h post-infection) were stained with anti-EtHAP2 mouse sera (1 in 100) and DAPI. EtHAP2 (green) localised with increasing intensity to DAPI-positive early-, mid- and late-stage microgametocytes (EMi, MMi and LMi, respectively). Macrogametes (Ma) and early oocysts (EO), visible under bright field (BF), were EtHAP2-negative. Scale bar = 10 μm. (b) The same tissue section was imaged using confocal microscopy and post-acquisition deconvolution. The nucleus and mitochondrion (N/M) of individual late-stage microgametes stain DAPI-positive and appear continuous and elongated. EtHAP2 (green) localisation (arrows) is distinct but often adjacent to N/M, consistent with either cytosolic or surface localisation. Scale bar = 1 μm.Back to article page