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Surfactant protein A mediates pulmonary clearance of Staphylococcus aureus |
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| Authors: | Nils T Veith Thomas Tschernig Birgitt Gutbier Martin Witzenrath Carola Meier Michael Menger Markus Bischoff |
| Affiliation: | 1.Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Kirrberger Straße, Homburg/Saar, 66421, Germany;2.Department for Infectious and Pulmonary Disease, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, 10117, Germany;3.Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany;4.Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Saarland University, Medical Faculty, Homburg/Saar, 66421, Germany |
| Abstract: | Surfactant protein A has been shown to enhance opsonization and clearance of Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. Here, the phagocytosis of alveolar S. aureus was investigated in vivo using intravital microscopy. Fluorescence labelled S. aureus Newman cells were intratracheally administered to anesthetized mice and the alveolar surface was observed for fifteen minutes. Confirming previously reported in vitro data, surfactant protein A-deficient mice showed a significantly reduced uptake of bacteria compared to wild-type mice. |
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