The fine structure of Leucocytozoon simondi. V. The oocyst
Following penetration through the midgut epithelium of Simulium rugglesi, ookinetes of Leucocytezoon simondi round up beneath the basal lamina and transform into young oocysts. These spherical, walled structures contain a large central core of crystalloid material. Dividing nuclei are seen in the peripheral cytoplasm, which is characterized by several concentric layers of granular endoplasmic reticulum. In a succeeding stage of development the trilaminar plasma membrane appears intermittently doubled, and bud-like outgrowths occur in these thickened areas. At this stage the crystalloid material is dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. A nucleus, an elongate mitochondrion, and some crystalloid material move into each forming sporozoite, which continues to grow at the expense of the residual cytoplasm.