Rapid disruption of epithelial barrier function by Salmonella typhimurium is associated with structural modification of intercellular junctions

Abstract

Short-term infection of MDCK II monolayers with Salmonella typhimurium SL1344 caused a progressive decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance concomitant with decreased cation permselectivity and increased paracellular inulin flux. Cytochemical staining of F-actin, E-cadherin, and ZO-1 revealed the concentration of each junctional protein in invaded cells as a result of contraction at their apical poles and resultant distortion of adjacent uninvaded cells.