title: Scanning electron microscopic study of human neuroblastoma cells affected with Naegleria fowleri Thai strains.
abstract: In order to understand the pathogenesis of Naegleria fowleri in primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, the human neuroblastoma (SK-N-MC) and African green monkey kidney (Vero) cells were studied in vitro. Amoeba suspension in cell-culture medium was added to the confluent monolayer of SK-N-MC and Vero cells. The cytopathic activity of N. fowleri trophozoites in co-culture system was elucidated by scanning electron microscope at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h. Two strains of N. fowleri displayed well-organized vigorous pseudopods in Nelson's medium at 37 degrees C. In co-culture, the target monolayer cells were damaged by two mechanisms, phagocytosis by vigorous pseudopods and engulfment by sucker-like apparatus. N. fowleri trophozoites produced amoebostomes only in co-culture with SK-N-MC cells. In contrast, we could not find such apparatus in the co-culture with Vero cells. The complete destruction time (100%) at 1:1 amoeba/cells ratio of SK-N-MC cells (1 day) was shorter than the Vero cells (12 days). In conclusion, SK-N-MC cells were confirmed to be a target model for studying neuropathogenesis of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Prannok Rd., Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
authors.forename: Supathra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tiewcharoen
authors.forename: Jundee
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rabablert
authors.forename: Pruksawan
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chetanachan
authors.forename: Virach
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Junnu
authors.forename: Dusit
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Worawirounwong
authors.forename: Nat
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Malainual
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D016848:Naegleria fowleri / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*