[Histological, histochemical and ultrastructural analyses of the development of candidal granulomas].

The development of Candida granulomas was studied in experimental model using histological, enzyme histochemical and electron microscopic methods. The granulomatous response first appeared 3-5 days after injection of heat-killed Candida albicans blastospores in hepatic portal system of mice. This response reached maximum at 10-12 days, when a significant part of hepatic parenchyma was involved, regressing thereafter. In the course of maturation, the granulomas, initially consisting of loose aggregates of monocytes and immature macrophages, were transformed into compact structures with the predominance of mature epithelioid cells with typical enzyme histochemical and fine structural features. In regressing granulomas, the accumulation of immature cells was again seen. Long-term administration of cyclophosphamide suppressed the development of Candida hepatic granulomas.