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1: J Infect Dis. 2008 Oct 15;198(8):1243-6.
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Human platelets attenuate Aspergillus species via granule-dependent mechanisms.

Perkhofer S, Kehrel BE, Dierich MP, Donnelly JP, Nussbaumer W, Hofmann J, von Eiff C, Lass-Flörl C.

Department of Hygiene, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria. Susanne.Perkhofer@i-med.ac.at

Using laser scanning microscopy, we investigated whether platelets are capable of internalizing Aspergillus conidia and examined Aspergillus-platelet adherence. The influence of platelets on fungal growth was evaluated by assessing galactomannan (GM) release, hyphal elongation, and colony size. A secretion assay with [(3)H]-serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) was performed. Exposure to platelets resulted in significantly decreased GM release (p<.05), hyphal elongation (p<.001), colony size, pigmentation, and 5-HT release ( p<.05). A lack of antifungal effects was observed with the microfilament inhibitor cytochalasin D. Platelets attenuate the virulence of Aspergillus species in vitro on the basis of granule-dependent effects.

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PMID: 18752432 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]