Diferric transferrin reductase in Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes.

Diferric transferrin reductase, assayed by formation of ferrous - bathophenanthroline, is detectable in the plasmamembrane of intact mature erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium falciparum. The absence of this transmembrane redox system in uninfected mature erythrocytes suggests its synthesis and incorporation by the intraerythrocytic parasite. The presence of diferric transferrin reductase, together with parasite-derived transferrin-receptor in the erythrocyte membrane, suggests a transferrin receptor-mediated uptake of iron by the malaria parasite.