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Abstract
Synchronous development of the erythrocytic stages of a human malaria parasite, Plasmodium
falciparum, in culture was accomplished by suspending cultured parasites in 5% D-sorbitol
and subsequent reintroduction into culture. Immediately after sorbitol treatment,
cultures consisted mainly of single and multiple ring-form infections. At the same
time, varying degrees of lysis of erythrocytes infected with the more mature stages
of the parasite was evident. Approximately 95% of the parasites were in the ring stage
of development at 48 and 96 hr after sorbitol treatment-likewise, a high percentage
of trophozoite and schizont stages was observed at 24, 72, and 120 hr. D-Mannitol
produced similar, selective, lytic effects.