Human platelets attenuate Aspergillus species via granule-dependent mechanisms.
Using laser scanning microscopy, we investigated whether platelets are capable of internalizing Aspergillus conidia and examined Aspergillus-platelet adherence. The influence of platelets on fungal growth was evaluated by assessing galactomannan (GM) release, hyphal elongation, and colony size. A secretion assay with [(3)H]-serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) was performed. Exposure to platelets resulted in significantly decreased GM release (p<.05), hyphal elongation (p<.001), colony size, pigmentation, and 5-HT release ( p<.05). A lack of antifungal effects was observed with the microfilament inhibitor cytochalasin D. Platelets attenuate the virulence of Aspergillus species in vitro on the basis of granule-dependent effects.
Perkhofer
Susanne
S
Department of Hygiene, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria. Susanne.Perkhofer@i-med.ac.at
Kehrel
Beate E
BE
Dierich
Manfred P
MP
Donnelly
J Peter
JP
Nussbaumer
Walter
W
Hofmann
Johann
J
von Eiff
Christof
C
Lass-Flörl
Cornelia
C