In:
Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology, Wiley, Vol. 63, No. 6 ( 2016-11), p. 744-750
Abstract:
The virulence of various amoebic parasites has been correlated with the presence of electron‐dense granules ( EDG s) in the cytoplasm of trophozoites. Here, we report the finding by transmission electron microscopy of a large number of EDG s in a recent culture of Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, isolated from a severe case of human keratitis. When this isolate was maintained in culture for 6 mo, the granules almost disappeared. However, after induction of mice brain lesions with the long‐term cultured isolate, recovered amoebas had abundant EDG s. Trophozoites of the original isolate, or those recovered from experimental lesions, secreted EDG s into the medium when incubated with MDCK cells. To analyze a possible cytotoxic effect the conditioned medium was incubated with MDCK monolayers. After 5 h, the media containing EDG s produced opening of the tight junctions; at 24 h, cell viability was compromised, and at 48 h most of the cells were detached from the monolayer. In contrast, trophozoites in long‐term cultures did not release EDG s to the medium during incubation with MDCK cells, and the corresponding conditioned medium did not have any effect on MDCK monolayers. Our observations further support the hypothesis that EDG s play a role in the cytopathogenic mechanisms of A. culbertsoni .
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1066-5234
,
1550-7408
DOI:
10.1111/jeu.2016.63.issue-6
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2016
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2126326-7
SSG:
12
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