Adhesion of Candida albicans germ tubes to murine tissues was examined. An ex vivo assay previously employed to examine adhesion of yeast cells of C. albicans was adapted for use with germ tubes. Binding of germ tubes to kidney, liver, spleen, and lymph node tissues was found to occur throughout the tissue section, with little morphologic specificity. In general, more organisms adhered to spleen and lymph node tissues than to kidney and liver tissues. Observation of adhesion with scanning organisms adhered to spleen and lymph node tissues than to kidney and liver tissues. Observation of adhesion with scanning electron microscopy showed three germ tube-tissue interactions described as loose, tight, or embedded.

The influence of immune status of the host on binding of germ tubes of Candida albicans to murine tissue sections in an ex vivo assay was examined. Generally, germ tubes appeared randomly adhered to the tissues examined and binding was unaffected by immunodeficiency induced by treatment with cyclophosphamide and cortisone acetate. Adherence was somewhat reduced in spleen and kidney sections or increased in liver sections and unchanged in lymph node sections from treated mice compared to sections from control animals. Scanning electron micrographs showed organisms appeared to be loosely or tightly bound to the surface or partially embedded in spleen sections from both control and treated mice. These observations suggested that qualitative and quantitative difference in adhesion of germ tubes to various tissues may contribute little to the susceptibility of the immunodeficient animal to candidal infection.

The effect of tunicamycin on the morphology of Candida albicans yeast cells and germ tubes grown in two different Earle's minimal essential media was investigated. Tunicamycin inhibited germ tube and mycelia formation. Inhibition increased the size and caused aberrant morphology of yeast cells, including bud formation. These cells are hydrophobic and could be used for the production of two monoclonal antibodies suitable for the study of adhesion phenomena as well as ectomural properties.

The influence of immune status of the host on binding of germ tubes of Candida albicans to murine tissue sections in an ex vivo assay was examined. Generally, germ tubes appeared randomly adhered to the tissues examined and binding was unaffected by immunodeficiency induced by treatment with cyclophosphamide and cortisone acetate. Adherence was somewhat reduced in spleen and kidney sections or increased in liver sections and unchanged in lymph node sections from treated mice compared to sections from control animals. Scanning electron micrographs showed organisms appeared to be loosely or tightly bound to the surface or partially embedded in spleen sections from both control and treated mice. These observations suggested that qualitative and quantitative difference in adhesion of germ tubes to various tissues may contribute little to the susceptibility of the immunodeficient animal to candidal infection.

No abstract