Chlamydia pneumoniae growth inhibition in cells by the steroid receptor antagonist RU486 (mifepristone).

ABSTRACT: Since steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents and increase susceptibility to a variety of infections, including Chlamydia (Chlamydophila) pneumoniae respiratory tract infections, the effect of the steroid receptor antagonist RU486 (mifepristone) on C. pneumoniae growth in epithelial HEp-2 cells was examined. Treatment of HEp-2 cells with RU486 significantly inhibited the growth of C. pneumoniae in a dose-dependent manner. Electron microscopic studies also revealed that the treatment of infected cells with RU486 resulted in a marked destruction of infecting organisms. The addition of the host cell protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide to the infected cells did not alter the inhibition of C. pneumoniae growth by RU486. Pretreatment of C. pneumoniae organisms with RU486 before addi

SUBMITTER: Yamaguchi H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2415806 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature