TOBIOJ The Open Biology Journal Open Bio. J. 1874-1967 Bentham Open TOBIOJ-2-10 10.2174/1874196700902010010 Biology Golgi-Disturbing Agents Lead to the Elimination of Intracellular Toxoplasma gondii S. Carvalho C. R. Figueiredo G. J. T. de Melo E. * Avenida Alberto Lamego 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, CEP 28015-620, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Address correspondence to this author at the Avenida Alberto Lamego 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, CEP 28015-620, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Fax: +55 (22) 27261500; E-mail: ejtm1202@oi.com.br 13 2 2009 2009 2 10 19 20 08 2008 26 09 2008 09 12 2008 © 2008 J. T. de Melo et al. 2009 E. J. T. de Melo

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The Golgi apparatus is responsible for the genesis of secretory organelles of Toxoplasma gondii and lipid traffic to the vacuole. This study used anti-Golgi agents to demonstrate the importance of Golgi in Toxoplasma development. Monensin, Brefeldin A, Retinoic Acid and Okadaic Acid reduced the infection, leading to parasite elimination. Mon, BFA and RA affected secretory organelles and the Golgi Complex of the parasites, with faster parasite elimination in the presence of Monensin; in addition, the vesicular transit of host cell C6-NBD-ceramide metabolites was interrupted, but the GC of host cells was preserved. Our results suggest that several targets in the secretory pathway are affected in the intracellular Toxoplasma rather than in the host cells, resulting in interruption of parasite development and its elimination from the intracellular medium.

 Keywords Anti-Golgi agents lipid traffic Toxoplasma gondii