Chlamydia pneumoniae replicates in Kupffer cells in mouse model of liver infection

Figure 1 IFA for the detection of C. pneumoniae antigens in separated Kupffer cells. 1000 x. Kupffer cells separated from intraperitoneally infected mice sacrificed 7 d after infection were tested by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) with specific fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibodies. A positive Kupffer cell is clearly evident for the presence of an apple-green intracytoplasmic bacterial inclusion. The inclusion represents an intracytoplasmic bacterial microcolony.

Figure 2 FISH for C. pneumoniae 16S rRNA in separated Kupffer cells. In situ hybridization was performed on Kupffer cells separated from intraperitoneally infected mice, sacrificed 7 d after infection. An infected Kupffer cell is evidenced with Cpn-0974 specific probe: the granular inclusion stained red.

Figure 3 TNF-α release by Kupffer cells following in vitro exposure to alive C. pneumoniae. Kupffer cells were stimulated for 6 h with alive C. pneumoniae. Control LPS was used at 10 mg/L. Stimulation was performed with (black) or without (white) polymyxin B at concentration of 10 mg/L.