Growth and effects of ureaplasmas (T mycoplasmas) in bovine oviductal organ cultures.

Ureaplasmas isolated from the human genital tract and from the genital and respiratory tracts of cattle were grown in association with organ cultures of bovine oviduct (uterine tube). All strains of unreaplasmas multiplied in organ cultures, stopped ciliary activity, and caused histological lesions. Most strains grew well, and 10(8) to 10(9) color-changing units were determined 18 to 144 h after inoculation. Twenty-four to 144 h after inoculation with unreaplasmas, ciliostasis was complete. Ciliostasis was also caused by additions of nonviable cultures at pH 8.8 (or adjusted to 7.4) or washed disrupted cells (100 mug of protein/ml); it occurred in 48 to 96 h. The cilia-stopping effect of nonviable cultures was diminished by heating (56 C for 30 min) and was abolished by boiling. When added to fresh medium in amounts exceeding 25%, nonviable unreaplasmal cultures completely inhibited ureaplasmal growth. By light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy, cilia-stopping effect was correlated with collapse and sloughing of the cilia (the initial lesion was "bent" cilia), with bulging and vacuolization of secretory and ciliated cells, and finally with disorganization of the epithelium, necrosis, and desquamation.