title: Human platelets attenuate Aspergillus species via granule-dependent mechanisms.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hygiene, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria. Susanne.Perkhofer@i-med.ac.at
authors.forename: Susanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Perkhofer
authors.forename: Beate E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Kehrel
authors.forename: Manfred P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Dierich
authors.forename: J Peter
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Donnelly
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Nussbaumer
authors.forename: Johann
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hofmann
authors.forename: Christof
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: von Eiff
authors.forename: Cornelia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lass-Flörl