Abstract
Cecal epithelial cell damage is a key factor in host injure during the development of E. tenella. The intracellular free Ca(2+) of the host cell is closely related to the invasion, development and proliferation of intracellular parasites, and cell damage. To determine the relationship between Ca(2+) and host cell damage in the schizogenic stage of E. tenella, we established a chick embryo cecal epithelial cells model of E. tenella infection. Fluorescence staining, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, inhibition and blocking experiments were used to detect the damage effect and mechanism of host cells during the schizogenic stage of E. tenella. The results showed that the host cells cytoskeletal remodeling, cell and organelle structure was destroyed, and apoptosis and necrosis were increased during the schizont stage of E. tenella. Furthermore, the above-mentioned effects of the schizogenic stage of E. tenella on cells can be alleviated by reducing the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration in the host cells. These observations indicate that the effect of host cell injury was closely related to Ca(2+) during schizont stage of E. tenella.