Chlamydia trachomatis infection of human fallopian tube organ cultures

Abstract

The pathogenic events that precede Chlamydia trachomatis salpingitis in the human fallopian tube have not been fully described. We used a model of human fallopian tubes in organ culture (HFTOC) infected with strain E/UW-5/CX of C. trachomatis to study these events. The model supported sustained C. trachomatis infection as demonstrated by recovery of viable C. trachomatis from medium and tissue over 5-7 d. However, the level of infectivity was low. Maximal infection occurred at 72 h after initial inoculation. In contrast to gonococcal infection of the HFTOC, C. trachomatis did not damage overall ciliary function of HFTOC. However, a local direct cytotoxic effect characterized by loss of microvilli and disruption of cell junctions was noted when multiple chlamydial elementary bodies attached to mucosal cells. Beginning at 24 h, and continuing throughout the course of C. trachomatis infection of HFTOC, ruptured epithelial cells releasing elementary bodies were noted. Chlamydia1 inclusions were seen in the mucosa by 72 h in -6% of both ciliated and nonciliated epithelial cells. Mucosal inclusions contained all forms of the C. trachomatis developmental cycle. These data suggest that factors present in the human fallopian tube may limit susceptibility to chlamydial infection but support the use of the HFTOC model in the study of the pathogenesis of C. trachomatis salpingitis.

Tubal transport of gametes and embryos: a review of physiology and pathophysiology

“…This will eventually lead to permanent tubal tissue damage and scaring [114]. Chlamydial infection can affect oviductal smooth muscle and destroy its spontaneous contractile activity which will ultimately result in stasis and retention of the oviduct secretions, hydro/ pyosalpinx formation and infertility [115].…”

TREM-2 binds to lipooligosaccharides of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and is expressed on reproductive tract epithelial cells

“…Fallopian tube tissue was obtained from women undergoing elective hysterectomies as described previously (36). The fallopian tubes were cleaned of adventitial tissue, cut into 2 mm 2 square pieces and incubated overnight in MEM/F-12 supplemented with 10% FBS.…”

Distinct function of Th1 and Th2 type delayed type hypersensitivity: Protective and pathological reactions to chlamydial infection

“…Many studies have suggested that most chlamydial disease sequelae are caused by immunopathological reaction (Cooper et al, 1990;Hutchinson et al, 1979;Patton, 1985;Quinn et al, 1992). From the public health perspective, the most troublesome aspect of chlamydial infection is not the infection per se, rather, it is the immunopathological responses that cause major health problems including blindness, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.…”