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Glucose Metabolism of L Cells Before and After Infection with Chlamydia psittaci
1Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637.
Abstract:
Glucose was not utilized at significantly different rates in suspensions of multiplying and nonmultiplying adult mouse fibroblasts (L cells). Infection of L cells with Chlamydia psittaci (strain meningopneumonitis) increased the rates of glucose utilization and lactate accumulation during the first 24 hr after infection without changing the rates of glucose utilization by the pentose or tricarboxylic acid cycles. It was concluded that the increased aerobic glycolysis represented a host response to infection and not a parasite activity. The 6BC strain of C. psittaci and the mouse pneumonitis strain of C. trachomatis produced similar changes in the glucose metabolism of L-cells. These results are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that chlamydiae generate to metabolic energy of their own and live by exploiting the energy-rich compounds produced by their hosts.
Insights
Chlamydia psittaci infection increases glucose utilization in mouse fibroblasts (L cells) by enhancing aerobic glycolysis. This metabolic shift is a host response, not a direct parasite activity, suggesting chlamydiae exploit host energy production.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Microbiology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that rely on host cells for survival.
- Understanding chlamydial metabolic interactions with host cells is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Chlamydia psittaci infection on glucose metabolism in mouse fibroblasts (L cells).
- To determine whether observed metabolic changes are a host response or a direct result of parasitic activity.
Main Methods:
- Comparing glucose utilization rates in multiplying and nonmultiplying L cells.
- Measuring glucose utilization and lactate accumulation post-infection with Chlamydia psittaci.
- Analyzing the contribution of pentose and tricarboxylic acid cycles to glucose metabolism.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in glucose utilization between multiplying and nonmultiplying L cells.
- Chlamydia psittaci infection elevated glucose utilization and lactate accumulation within 24 hours.
- Pentose and tricarboxylic acid cycle activity remained unchanged, indicating increased aerobic glycolysis.
Conclusions:
- The enhanced aerobic glycolysis observed is a host cell response to Chlamydia psittaci infection.
- This suggests chlamydiae may exploit host-generated energy-rich compounds rather than producing their own metabolic energy.
