Little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the release of
merozoites from malaria infected erythrocytes. In this study membranous
structures present in the culture medium at the time of merozoite release
have been characterized. Biochemical and ultrastructural evidence indicate
that membranous structures consist of the infected erythrocyte membrane,
the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane and a residual body containing
electron dense material. These are subcellular compartments expected in a
structure that arises as a consequence of merozoite release from the
infected cell. Ultrastructural studies show that a novel structure extends
from the former parasite compartment to the surface membrane. Since these
membrane modifications are detected only after merozoites have been
released from the infected erythrocyte, it is proposed that they might play
a role in the release of merozoites from the host cell.