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Autophagic vacuole development in Trichophyton mentagrophytes exposed in vitro to miconazole
Abstract:
Trichophyton mentagrophytes was treated in vitro for 24 h with an inhibitory concentration of miconazole (10(-5) M). The youngest, apical hyphal cells showed alterations of the ultrastructure of their membranes and cell wall as well as several vacuoles of an autophagic nature. Cellular autophagy appeared as a multi-step process beginning with swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum, whose membranes later fused and gave rise to large vacuoles that entrapped previously demarcated portions of the cytoplasm. Sequestered materials, initially unaltered, were ultimately degraded. The initial event in vacuolation was interpreted as entry of water into the cells, especially into the luminal space of the endoplasmic reticulum, in response to a decrease of wall pressure on the cytoplasm.
Insights
Miconazole treatment induced cellular autophagy in Trichophyton mentagrophytes by altering cell membranes and walls. This antifungal mechanism involves endoplasmic reticulum swelling and vacuole formation, leading to cytoplasmic degradation.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Cell Biology
- Antifungal Research
Background:
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes is a common cause of fungal infections.
- Miconazole is a widely used azole antifungal agent.
- Understanding the cellular mechanisms of antifungal action is crucial for developing new treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural effects of miconazole on Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
- To elucidate the cellular processes involved in miconazole's antifungal activity.
Main Methods:
- In vitro treatment of Trichophyton mentagrophytes with an inhibitory concentration of miconazole (10(-5) M) for 24 hours.
- Microscopic examination of fungal cell ultrastructure.
Main Results:
- Miconazole induced significant ultrastructural alterations in the youngest, apical hyphal cells.
- Observed changes included modifications to cell membranes and cell walls.
- Autophagic vacuoles formed, indicating a cellular degradation process initiated by endoplasmic reticulum swelling and cytoplasmic sequestration.
Conclusions:
- Miconazole triggers a multi-step cellular autophagy process in Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
- The antifungal effect involves disruption of cell integrity and degradation of cellular components.
- Water entry into endoplasmic reticulum, due to decreased wall pressure, is an initial event in vacuolation.