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Trafficking of phagocytic peritoneal cells in hypoinsulinemic-hyperglycemic mice with systemic candidiasis
Thais Fernanda de Campos Fraga-Silva1, James Venturini, Maria Sueli Parreira de Arruda
1Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Experimental (LIPE), UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Bauru, SP 17033-360, Brazil.
Background:
Candidemia is a severe fungal infection that primarily affects hospitalized and/or immunocompromised patients. Mononuclear phagocytes have been recognized as pivotal immune cells which act in the recognition of pathogens, phagocytosis, inflammation, polarization of adaptive immune response and tissue repair. Experimental studies have showed that the systemic candidiasis could be controlled by activated peritoneal macrophages. However, the mechanism to explain how these cells act in distant tissue during a systemic fungal infection is still to be elucidated. In the present study we investigate the in vivo trafficking of phagocytic peritoneal cells into infected organs in hypoinsulinemic-hyperglycemic (HH) mice with systemic candidiasis.
Methods:
The red fluorescent vital dye PKH-26 PCL was injected into the peritoneal cavity of Swiss mice 24 hours before the intravenous inoculation with Candida albicans. After 24 and 48 hours and 7 days of infection, samples of the spleen, liver, kidneys, brain and lungs were submitted to the microbiological evaluation as well as to phagocytic peritoneal cell trafficking analyses by fluorescence microscopy.
Results:
In the present study, PKH+ cells were observed in the peritoneum, kidney, spleen and liver samples from all groups. In infected mice, we also found PKH+ cells in the lung and brain. The HH condition did not affect this process.
Conclusions:
In the present study we have observed that peritoneal phagocytes migrate to tissues infected by C. albicans and the HH condition did not interfere in this process.
Insights
Peritoneal phagocytes migrate to organs infected with Candida albicans, a serious fungal infection. This migration occurs even in hypoinsulinemic-hyperglycemic conditions, suggesting a robust immune response pathway.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Candidemia is a severe fungal infection impacting hospitalized and immunocompromised individuals.
- Mononuclear phagocytes are crucial for pathogen recognition, immune response, and tissue repair.
- Previous studies suggest activated peritoneal macrophages can control systemic candidiasis, but migration mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo trafficking of peritoneal phagocytic cells into organs affected by systemic candidiasis.
- To determine if hypoinsulinemic-hyperglycemic (HH) conditions influence this cell migration.
Main Methods:
- Swiss mice received PKH-26 fluorescent dye in the peritoneal cavity 24 hours before Candida albicans inoculation.
- Spleen, liver, kidneys, brain, and lungs were analyzed for cell trafficking using fluorescence microscopy at 24, 48 hours, and 7 days post-infection.
- Microbiological evaluations were also performed.
Main Results:
- PKH-26 labeled cells were detected in the peritoneum, kidneys, spleen, and liver of all groups.
- In infected mice, these labeled cells were also found in the lungs and brain.
- The hypoinsulinemic-hyperglycemic condition did not alter the observed cell migration patterns.
Conclusions:
- Peritoneal phagocytes demonstrate the ability to migrate to tissues infected by Candida albicans.
- Hypoinsulinemic-hyperglycemic conditions do not impede the migration of these immune cells to infected sites.
