Granulomatous reaction induced by lipids isolated from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

The possibility that the histological responses produced in paracoccidioidomycosis might be attributed to lipid constituents of cells of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was investigated. Charcoal particles coated with the lipid extract were prepared and the suspension inoculated intravenously into mice. The lung inflammation was characterized by an intense mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cell infiltrate surrounding the particles from two to eight days after inoculation. Fractionation of lipid extract by preparative thin-layer chromatography allowed the separation of several fractions and it was observed that fractions containing free fatty acids and triglycerides were the most active. The participation of an uncommon fatty acid eliciting an inflammatory reaction is discussed.