Scanning electron microscopy of Mycoplasma-infected tracheal rings
Woodruff, K.H.
Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 100(7): 360-366
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9985 PMID: 947155 Document Number: 101034
Sequential changes visualized by scanning electron microscopy are described in hamster tracheal ring cultures exposed to 10(5) colony-forming units/ml of Clyde strain M-129 Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Loss of cilia, elevation of cell borders, and clumping of microvilli were induced within six hours after incubation of the rings in media containing mycoplasmas and in sterile used media. This finding lends support to the theory that the toxicity of Mycoplasma infection is partially attributable to alterations in the growth medium or elaboration of a toxic substance by the organisms. Mycoplasmas were observed attaching to tracheal ring surfaces eight hours after infection. With increasing periods of incubation, cell death and alterations occurred in tracheal surface structure that might be confused with the organisms.