Morphologic changes in chicken cells after in vitro exposure to Mycoplasma gallisepticum
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1Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) was used to expose chicken peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), red blood cells (RBCs), heterophils, and chicken tumor cells (MSB-1 and HD-11 cells). Incubation of PBLs with MG for 3 hr resulted in extensive clumping of lymphocytes. Incubation of the MSB-1 cells with MG also caused clumping of the cells, with many of the cells showing perforations and others showing capping of the surface projections. Incubation of RBCs with MG resulted in an altered cell surface morphology, a decrease in cell size, and perforation. There were no discernible changes on the surface of the heterophils and the HD-11 cells. However, the HD-11 cells appeared to have a decreased ability to attach to the surface of the plastic and to have a decreased ability to respond to chemoattractant fMLP after 24 hr of incubation. These results suggest that, under the conditions used, MG caused certain damage to peripheral blood cells and a significant decrease in chemotactic response in the HD-11 cells.
Insights
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) damages chicken peripheral blood cells, including lymphocytes and red blood cells, causing clumping and surface alterations. MG also significantly reduces the chemotactic response of HD-11 cells.
Area of Science:
- Avian immunology
- Cell biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a significant avian pathogen.
- Understanding MG's interaction with host cells is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Mycoplasma gallisepticum on various chicken peripheral blood cells and tumor cell lines.
- To assess cellular damage and functional changes induced by MG exposure.
Main Methods:
- Chicken peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), red blood cells (RBCs), heterophils, and chicken tumor cell lines (MSB-1, HD-11) were incubated with MG.
- Cell morphology, surface characteristics, attachment, and chemotactic responses were analyzed.
Main Results:
- MG induced lymphocyte clumping and RBC surface alterations, including perforation and size decrease.
- MSB-1 cells showed clumping, perforation, and surface projection capping.
- HD-11 cells exhibited no surface changes but displayed reduced attachment and chemotaxis (fMLP response).
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum causes direct cellular damage to specific chicken blood and tumor cells.
- MG exposure significantly impairs the chemotactic responsiveness of HD-11 cells.
