The effect ofCandida albicanson the permeability of rat palatal epithelium: an ultrastructural and biochemical study

Abstract
The effect of a palatal acrylic appliance and/or infection with Candida albicans on the permeability of rat palatal epithelium has been investigated. Although normal rats, or rats inoculated with Candida albicans but without a prosthesis, had a barrier to perfused lanthanum, some low-molecular-weight proteins were able to pass through the epithelium. When infection was established by inoculation of Candida albicans under an acrylic plate, the epithelium became permeable to perfused lanthanum. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of perfusates showed that a selective permeability to proteins was retained in such animals. Removal of acrylic plates from infected animals resulted in healing and restoration of the barrier to lanthanum.