[Biochemical aspects of the interaction of the malarial parasite, Plasmodium berghei, with erythrocytes of the host].

Mice erythrocytes, infected with Plasmodium berghei, were studied as a model of integrated cell system "parasite-host erythrocytes". The rate of blood oxygenation, content of methhemoglobin and methhemoglobin reductase activity maintained at the initial level up to the lethal outcome of the infectious process. A steady-state kinetics of glycolysis was studied in the impaired erythrocytes by means of automatic potentiometric titration of lactic acid during incubation of the cells. Distinct 15-20-fold activation of glycolysis occurred as the parasite grew and developed in erythrocytes. Stationary concentration of ATP was decreased at the moment of extensive P. berghei development, accompanied by accumulation in blood of the most mature forms of parasite. At the same time, this step of infection was characterized by a 2-fold increase in content of reduced glutathione and by appearance of of lipoxygenase in the impaired erythrocytes. Activities of superoxide dismutase as well of oxidative pentosephosphate shunt were kept at the initial level. The data obtained are discussed on the basis of current concepts on biochemistry of blood forms of malarial parasite.