BINDING OF RESTING PLATELETS TO CANDIDA-ALBICANS GERM TUBES

The binding of resting platelets to Candida albicans germ tubes was st udied by means of an sanity column in which germ tubes were physically immobilized. Adhesion of platelets to the column was dependent on bot h the germ tube concentration and the number of platelets applied, It was found that the interaction of C. albicans germ tubes with platelet s is specific and should be mediated by a fungal protein receptor. The results obtained by scanning electron microscopy confirmed that resti ng platelets can fix directly onto germ tubes, In addition, this study showed that attachment of platelets onto C. albicans is associated wi th morphological changes. Platelets lost their discoid shape, became g lobular, generated spikes or pseudopods, and then flattened on the yea st cells.