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Intravital Microscopy of the Spleen: Quantitative Analysis of Parasite Mobility and Blood Flow
Published on: January 14, 2012
An ultrastructural study, effects of Proteus vulgaris OX19 on the rabbit spleen cells
Nursel Gul1, Ebru Gokalp Ozkorkmaz, Ilknur Kelesoglu
1Ankara University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
Effects of Proteus vulgaris OX19 on the spleen cells of rabbits were investigated. Control group (n=5) and Proteus treated group (n=5) of New Zealand male rabbits were used in this study. Bacteria were injected to the rabbits in five days periods with increasing dosages for one month. Thin sections were examined by transmission electron microscope (Jeol 100CXII). Ultrastructural changes were defined in spleen tissue cells due to the antigenic stimulation of bacteria. Spleen cells observed in control group were in normal structure and cells were in close contact with each other. However, spleen cells of Proteus treated group displayed structural changes with regard to the control group in electron microscopic examinations. Chemotaxis of macrophages, forming of pseudopodia and presence of phagocytic vacuoles were observed. Lymphocytes, the major cells of spleen revealed mitotic activity. In addition, chromatin condensation in nucleus and dilatations in perinuclear space were significant. Interactions of lymphocytes and macrophages were noteworthy.
Insights
Proteus vulgaris OX19 infection alters rabbit spleen cells, causing macrophage activity and lymphocyte changes. These ultrastructural spleen cell modifications highlight the immune response to bacterial antigenic stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The spleen is a critical organ in the immune system, filtering blood and housing immune cells.
- Bacterial infections can significantly impact spleen structure and function.
- Proteus vulgaris OX19 is a bacterium known to elicit an immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural effects of Proteus vulgaris OX19 on rabbit spleen cells.
- To understand the cellular changes in the spleen following bacterial antigenic stimulation.
Main Methods:
- New Zealand male rabbits were divided into control and Proteus vulgaris OX19-treated groups.
- Bacteria were administered over one month with increasing dosages.
- Spleen tissue sections were examined using transmission electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Control spleen cells showed normal structure and intercellular contact.
- Proteus vulgaris OX19-treated spleen cells exhibited significant ultrastructural changes.
- Observed changes included macrophage chemotaxis, pseudopodia formation, phagocytic vacuoles, lymphocyte mitotic activity, nuclear chromatin condensation, and perinuclear space dilation.
Conclusions:
- Proteus vulgaris OX19 induces notable ultrastructural alterations in rabbit spleen cells.
- The observed changes reflect an active immune response, including macrophage and lymphocyte involvement.
- Electron microscopy is effective in visualizing spleen cell responses to bacterial infection.
