Increased TNF-α Initiates Cytoplasmic Vacuolization in Whole Blood Coculture with Dengue Virus

Figure 6

Abnormal TNF-α determines the cytopathological effects 24 h postincubation. Without DENV coculture, hTNF-α (100 ng/ml) was added to the ex vivo culture of WB for 24 h. (a) Image analysis, shown by an oil immersion field (100x objectives), was performed using the Wright-Giemsa stain to show the induction of vacuolization in five cases. (b) The percentages of vacuolated cells were calculated in the counting area with a high-power field (40x objectives). The quantitative data are depicted as the obtained from five cases. , compared to the PBS group. PBS was used as a control. (c) With or without hTNF-α neutralizing antibody (Ab; 50 μg/ml) cotreatment, DENV ()-induced vacuolization was monitored. The percentages of vacuolated cells were calculated in three different visible areas. , compared to the mock group. ns: not significant.

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