Acanthamoebae bind to rabbit corneal epithelium in vitro

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Investigating Acanthamoeba keratitis pathogenesis requires suitable animal models.
• Previous studies showed conflicting results regarding Acanthamoeba binding to rabbit corneas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if Acanthamoeba castellanii binds to rabbit corneal epithelium in organ culture.
• To assess factors influencing this binding, including temperature, injury, and specific saccharides.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 35S-labeled and FITC-labeled Acanthamoeba castellanii in adhesion assays.
• Evaluated binding to rabbit, pig, and human corneal buttons in vitro.
• Employed scanning electron microscopy and tested inhibition by specific saccharides.

Main Results:

• Acanthamoeba castellanii demonstrated significant binding to rabbit corneal epithelium in vitro.
• Binding was temperature-dependent (optimal at 25°C and 35°C) and enhanced by corneal injury.
• Methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside inhibited binding, indicating specific molecular interactions.

Conclusions:

• The rabbit animal model is suitable for studying Acanthamoeba adhesion to corneal epithelium.
• Findings support the use of rabbits to investigate the molecular mechanisms of Acanthamoeba keratitis.