In this video, we demonstrate a procedure to visualize internalized Porphyromonas gingivalis, an anaerobic pathogenic bacterium, within human endothelial cells using confocal microscopy. The bacteria are stained with a fluorescent dye while the host endothelial cell actin cytoskeleton is labeled with a different fluorescent dye. The internalized Porphyromonas gingivalis inside endothelial cells are visualized using confocal microscopy.
Protocol
1. Internalization of Bacteria into Host Cells (Fluorescent Microscopy) Note: P. gingivalis is labeled with 2',7'-Bis-(2-Carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-Carboxyfluorescein, Acetoxymethyl Ester (BCECF-AM). BCECF-AM is a non-fluorescent membrane-permeable dye; its conversion to fluorescein BCECF via the action of intracellular esterases can indicate cell viability. P. gingivalis is labeled with the BCECF-AM dye and then used to infect eukaryotic …
Divulgations
The authors have nothing to disclose.
Materials
Vinyl Anaerobic Chamber-Type B
Coy Laboratory Products
Model 2000 incubator
TSA II Trypticase Soy Agar w/5% Sheep Blood
BBL
221261
Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells 10-donor Pool