Experimental Chlamydia trachomatis salpingitis in mice: initial studies on the characterization of the leukocyte response to chlamydial infection.

The murine biovar (mouse pneumonitis) of Chlamydia trachomatis was inoculated into the left oviduct of female Swiss Webster mice to establish acute salpingitis. Chlamydial inclusions were observed in secretory epithelial cells by both transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy using immunoperoxidase staining of deparaffinized sections. By days 5-8 after infection, a mixed polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cellular infiltrate was observed in the submucosa and mucosa. Epithelial cell deterioration occurred in the endosalpinx in areas of heavy mononuclear cellular infiltration. During the acute phase of the disease a cellular infiltrate consisting mainly of T cells was identified by staining frozen tissue sections with monoclonal antibodies to mouse lymphocyte antigens. Occasionally B lymphocytes were observed. Widespread deciliation of the mucosa was observed by scanning electron microscopy. No histopathologic or immunopathologic responses were observed in the control oviducts. These observations suggest an immunologic basis for the structural abnormalities seen in the infected oviducts.