ABSTRACT
AIM: To investigate the growth inhibition of Candida albicans mediated by vaginal epithelial cells and determine if estrogen affects the anti-fungal activity. METHODS: C_ 57BL/6J mice vaginae from estrogen treatment group, diestrus group and ovariectomized group were excised, respectively. The vaginae were dissociated into single cell suspension by dispase and collagenaseⅠ. The epithelial nenriched cells were used as effector cells. Blastoconidia of C. albicans were used as target cells. After coincubation of effector with target for 9 h, the target cells growth density was observed, percent growth inhibition was calculated, and ultra-structural changes were observed. RESULTS: After coincubation of effector cells with target cells for 9 h, growth density of C. albicans was visibly reduced and it's growth activity was inhibited. Compared to ovariectomized group and diestrus group, vaginal epithelial cells from estrogen-treated mice had less ability to inhibit the growth of C. albicans (P