Characterization and immunolocalization of the protein contents of micronemes of Sarcocystis muris cystozoites (Protozoa, Apicomplexa).

Affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies generated against micronemes obtained by the subcellular fractionation of Sarcocystis muris contain two major proteins of 16 and 17 kDa. Antibodies cross-react with microneme antigen of S. tenella and S. cuniculi but not with the S. sp. of wild boar (Sus scrofa). Microneme antigens could be traced by immunoelectron microscopy in metrocytes as early as 47 days postinfection and in gamonts of S. muris in cell cultures up to 4 h after inoculation.