Possible role of calmodulin in the secretion of Entamoeba histolytica electron-dense granules containing collagenase.

Entamoeba histolytica cells secrete electron-dense granules (EDGs) that have collagenase activity. To study the possible involvement of calmodulin (CaM) on EDG secretion, the effect of several CaM antagonists (TFP, R24571, W-7, W-5, dibucaine and DL-propranolol) was tested on this cellular function. Except for W-5 and dibucaine, the rest of these compounds inhibited EDG secretion. Transmission electron microscopy of collagen-activated trophozoites showed numerous EDGs located in or near the surface membrane. In contrast, trophozoites incubated with TFP showed no EDGs. Protein kinase C inhibitors (H-7, ML-9) had no effect on EDG secretion, suggesting that CaM antagonists acted by selectively inhibiting CaM. These results suggest that a CaM-dependent process is involved in EDG secretion.