Disruption of colonic barrier function and induction of mediator release by strains of Campylobacter jejuni that invade epithelial cells

Figure 4 Comparison of the effects of strains 12189 and 2801055 on transmission electron micrograph appearance of monolayers of HCA-7 cells. A: Following inoculation of strain 12189, 10⁷ bacteria/0.5 mL, on the apical side for 6 h, there was no disruption of monolayer integrity; B: There were normal tight junctions and normal apical microvilli; C: Close cell-to-cell contact is seen with occasional bacteria located in the pores of the filter membrane; D: Following inoculation of strain 12189, 10⁷ bacteria/0.5 mL, on the apical side for 6 h, monolayer integrity was compromised with disruption of tight junctions; E: Monolayers showed condensation of the plasma membrane with lifting and rounding of cells off the supporting membrane. C. jejuni are also seen beneath a cell which is lifting off the membrane; F: Changes are seen at higher power.