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Effect of mycoplasmas on phagocytosis and immunocompetence in rats
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate some possible mechanisms by which mycoplasmas may facilitate a subsequent bacterial infection. The effector of M. arthritidis, M. hominis and U. urealyticum on lymphocyte reactivity to mitogens, subsequent antibody response, and the ability of neutrophils to carry out phagocytosis was investigated. In vitro, large doses of M. arthritidis and M. hominis depressed the reactivity of lymphocytes and the phagocytic ability of neutrophils. In vivo, inoculation of myoplasmas had no effect on reactivity of lymphocytes from rats, and antibody response to subsequently injected E. coli was normal. However, peritoneal neutrophils from rats injected intraperitoneally with large doses of M. arthritidis and M. Hominis were invalidated in their ability to cause phagocytosis of E. Coli. U. urealyticum had no observable effect on lymphocytes and neutrophils in vitro and in vivo.
Insights
Mycoplasmas like M. arthritidis and M. hominis can impair neutrophil function, potentially aiding secondary bacterial infections. Ureaplasma urealyticum showed no significant effects on immune cells in this study.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mycoplasmas are common pathogens that can cause various infections.
- Understanding their interaction with the host immune system is crucial for managing secondary infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms by which mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma arthritidis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum) may facilitate subsequent bacterial infections.
- To assess the impact of these mycoplasmas on lymphocyte reactivity, antibody response, and neutrophil phagocytosis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted using rat models.
- Lymphocyte reactivity to mitogens and neutrophil phagocytic capacity were measured.
- Antibody response to Escherichia coli (E. coli) was evaluated after mycoplasma inoculation.
Main Results:
- High doses of Mycoplasma arthritidis and Mycoplasma hominis reduced lymphocyte reactivity and neutrophil phagocytosis in vitro.
- In vivo, these mycoplasmas impaired peritoneal neutrophil phagocytosis of E. coli, while lymphocyte reactivity and antibody response remained normal.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum did not significantly affect lymphocyte or neutrophil function in either in vitro or in vivo settings.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma arthritidis and Mycoplasma hominis possess mechanisms that can compromise neutrophil function, potentially increasing susceptibility to bacterial infections.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum does not appear to significantly impact these specific immune responses.
- These findings highlight the differential immunomodulatory effects of various mycoplasma species.