Lungs of TMpro/pro mice show more confluent inflammation and an enhanced neutrophil influx. Representative histopathologic sections of lungs of WT (A) and TMpro/pro (B) mice 5 weeks after inoculation with M tuberculosis showing granulomatous inflammatory infiltrates in WT (original magnification × 10, A; × 40, inset) and confluent areas of inflammation in TMpro/pro mice (original magnification × 10, B; × 40, inset). Mycobacteria were easily found in ZN staining of lungs in both groups (original magnification × 40, C-D). Enhanced neutrophil influx was observed in TMpro/pro mice (original magnification × 20, F) compared with WT mice (original magnification × 20, E). Macrophages were observed in both groups (original magnification × 20, G-H). Fibrin(ogen) could not be detected in either group (original magnification × 20, I-J; inset I: positive control for fibrin(ogen) staining showing lung tissue 48 hours after induction of pneumococcal pneumonia, original magnification × 10). Figures are representative of n = 5 for each group.
