Gonococcal entry into primary human urethral epithelial cells (HUEC) can occur 
by macropinocytosis. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed 
lamellipodia surrounding gonococci, and confocal laser scanning microscopy 
analysis showed organisms colocalized with M(r) 70,000 fluorescein 
isothiocyanate-labeled dextran within the cells. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase 
inhibitors and an actin polymerization inhibitor prevented macropinocytic entry 
of gonococci into HUEC.