Monoamine oxidase activity of Schistosoma mansoni

Structure-activity profiling of alkaloid natural product pharmacophores against a Schistosoma serotonin receptor

Serotonin (5-HT) is an important regulator of numerous aspects of flatworm biology, ranging from neuromuscular function to sexual maturation and egg laying. In the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni, 5-HT targets several G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), one of which has been demonstrated to couple to cAMP and regulate parasite movement. This receptor, Sm.5HTR_L, has been successfully co-expressed in mammalian cells alongside a luminescent cAMP-biosensor, enabling pharmacological profiling for candidate anti-schistosomal drugs. Here, we have utilized this assay to perform structure-activity investigations of 143 compounds containing previously identified alkaloid natural product pharmacophores (tryptamines, aporphines and protoberberines) shown to regulate Sm.5HTR_L. These experiments mapped regions of the tryptamine pharmacophore amenable and intolerant to substitution, highlighting differences relative to orthologous mammalian 5-HT receptors. Potent Sm.5HTR_L antagonists were identified, and the efficacy of these compounds were evaluated against live adult parasites cultured ex vivo. Such structure-activity profiling, characterizing the effect of various modifications to these core ring systems on Sm.5HTR_L responses, provides greater understanding of pharmacophores selective for this target to aid future drug development efforts.

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Various alkaloids were screened against a schistosome serotonin receptor, Sm.5HTR_L.

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Compounds with a tryptamine core displayed agonist activity at Sm.5HTR_L.

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Aporphine and protoberberine compounds displayed antagonist activity at Sm.5HTR_L.

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Compound activity at Sm.5HTR_L is broadly mirrored by motility effects on adult worms.

The functional role of a serotonin transporter in Schistosoma mansoni elucidated through immunolocalization and RNA interference (RNAi)

Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In the parasitic flatworm, Schistosoma mansoni, serotonin stimulates worm movement and potentiates muscle contraction. A specific serotonin transporter (SmSERT) was previously cloned from S. mansoni and characterized in vitro. Here we conduct a first investigation of the native protein in the worm so as to elucidate the biological role of SmSERT and to assess its drug targeting potential. Confocal immunofluorescence studies using specific antibodies determined that SmSERT is expressed predominantly in the nervous system both in adult worms and larvae (schistosomula). SmSERT immunoreactivity was detected in the main nerve cords of the central nervous system and the peripheral nerve plexus of the body wall in adult males and females, in apparent nerve endings of the male tubercles and possibly the male tegument. In the larvae, SmSERT localized mainly to the peripheral nerve plexus of the body wall. Co-localization experiments showed that the pattern of SmSERT expression coincides with that of serotonin itself, suggesting that SmSERT is present in serotonergic neurons. To test whether SmSERT is involved in the motor effects of serotonin, we treated S. mansoni schistosomula with SmSERT blockers or SmSERT-specific short-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and then recorded larval motility, using a quantitative imaging assay. In both cases, the treatment produced a strongly hyperactive phenotype, corresponding to a ~3-fold increase in larval motility, roughly the same effect as treatment with an excess of exogenous serotonin. The siRNA effect correlated with a ≈50% decrease in expression of the SmSERT when tested by real-time qPCR. To test if SmSERT mediates transport of exogenous serotonin across the tegument, uptake assays were also performed in intact schistosomula treated with SmSERT siRNAs or an irrelevant siRNA. We found a significant but modest decrease (~25%) in serotonin uptake in the siRNA-suppressed larvae when compared to the negative controls. These results suggest that the SmSERT's function is primarily neuromuscular and may also play a secondary role in the uptake of exogenous (host-derived) serotonin.

Classical transmitters and their receptors in flatworms

The flatworm nervous system employs a wide repertoire of neuroactive substances, including small chemical messengers, the so called classical transmitters, and several types of neuropeptides. A large body of research accumulated over four decades has provided a wealth of information on the tissue localization and effects of these substances, their biochemistry and, recently, their molecular modes of action in all major classes of flatworms. This evidence will be reviewed, with particular emphasis on the small (classical) transmitters and the receptors that mediate their effects. One of the themes that will emerge from this discussion is that classical transmitters regulate core activities such as movement, metabolism and transport, and thus are essential for survival of the organism. In addition, the evidence shows that flatworms have multiple neurotransmitter receptors, many with unusual pharmacological features, which make them particularly attractive as drug targets. Understanding the molecular basis of these distinctive properties, and developing new, more specific receptor agonists and antagonists will undoubtedly become a major challenge in future research.

Monoamine oxidase in amphistomes and its role in worm motility

The quantitative assay of mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity revealed a higher enzyme level in Explanatum explanatum than Gastrothylax crumenifer. The specific MAO inhibitors, chlorgyline, pargyline, deprenyl and nialamide produced different degrees of interspecific inhibition. The differential effects on enzyme activity of chlorgyline and deprenyl suggests the possible existence of polymorphic forms of the enzyme, MAO-A and MAO-B, in amphistomes. These specific inhibitors also had a differential influence on the in vitro motility of amphistomes, further indicating the involvement of different forms of MAO in the oxidative deamination of biogenic monoamines which might be partly responsible for neuromuscular coordination in amphistomes. The experimental procedures used in this study could be conveniently used for quick screening and evaluation of some of the qualitative effects of anthelmintic drugs under in vitro conditions.

Biogenic amines, metabolites and monoamine oxidase in the filarial worm Setaria cervi

Analysis of biogenic monoamines and their metabolites in Setaria cervi adults by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed dopamine as the major monoamine followed by norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). 5-Hydroxy indole acetic acid and tryptophan were also detected in significant amounts. A particulate-bound monoamine oxidase (MAO, EC 1.4.3.4.) catalysing the oxidative deamination of several amines was also demonstrated in both microfilariae and adults. The enzyme from the parasites exhibited unusually high Km values for various monoamines. Dopamine was oxidized at the maximum rate while putrescine was not utilized as the substrate. MAO was predominantly associated with the mitochondrial fraction and concentrated mainly in the cuticle-muscle-hypodermis layer of the filariid. The enzyme was most active around pH 7.5 and 37 +/- 2 degrees C, relatively stable in the frozen state but was thermolabile. The specific MAO inhibitors, clorgyline and deprenyl, inhibited the enzyme with Ki values of 2 x 10(-7) M and 5 x 10(-6) M, respectively. Diethylcarbamazine, suramin, levamisole and centperazine significantly inhibited MAO activity. (The characteristics of the enzyme indicated that it may have a role in host-parasite interactions).

Evidence for the absorption and synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine in perfused muscle and intestinal tissue and whole worms of adult Ascaris suum

The metabolites of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) namely, L-tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid and 5-hydroxytryptophol were measured in perfused tissue and whole worms from adult female Ascaris suum using reversed-phase liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The intracellular levels of each metabolite were quantitated in response to several physiological effectors but only L-tryptophan (TRP) caused dose-dependent changes in these metabolites. Serotonin itself could also be absorbed by perfused A. suum muscle and intestinal tissue. When live A. suum were tied at the anterior and posterior regions to restrict TRP absorption by the intestine, TRP was absorbed through the cuticle and converted into 5-HT by the muscle tissue. In united live parasites TRP absorption was observed in both muscle and intestinal tissue. Collectively, the data indicated that 5-HT may be either absorbed directly or synthesized de novo from absorbed TRP in the isolated tissue of A. suum. The 5-HT, in the adult female A. suum, can be synthesized de novo from TRP, or 5-HT can be absorbed from the environment both through the cuticle and by the intestine of living parasites. Data also indicated that there was preferential sequestering of 5-HT and the metabolites of 5-HT in the anterior tissues of the worms.

Characterization of mitochondrial monoamine oxidase of Ascaridia galli

Oxidative deamination of various biogenic monoamines by Ascaridia galli monoamine oxidase (MAO) was blocked by different mammalian MAO inhibitors, namely, iproniazid, trans-PcP, nialamide and pargyline and the blockade was observed to be time as well as concentration dependent. The binding of inhibitors with chick ascarid MAO was of the irreversible type and the nature of the inhibition was competitive. Pargyline showed lowest I50 (8 microM) and Ki (12 microM) values. Chlorgyline and deprenyl at 100 microM concentration inhibited MAO by about 60 and 40% respectively, indicating the presence of both type A and type B MAO in A. galli.

Serotonin receptors in parasitic worms

It is evident from the above review that during the last two decades a great deal of interest in investigating the action of serotonin in parasitic worms has been shown by parasitologists as well as by scientists from several other disciplines. What we have initially reported concerning the effect of serotonin on motility and carbohydrate metabolism of F. hepatica has been pursued on several other parasitic worms. The studies so far indicate that serotonin stimulates motility of every species tested among the phylum Platyhelminthes. The indoleamine also stimulates glycogenolysis in the few flatworm parasites that have been investigated. The information in nematodes is scanty and the role of serotonin in these parasites is still open for experimentation. Recent biochemical investigations on F. hepatica and S. mansoni demonstrated that serotonin and related compounds utilize a common class of receptors in plasma membrane particles which I designate as 'serotonin receptors'. These receptors are linked to an adenylate cyclase that catalyses the synthesis of the second messenger, cyclic 3',5'-AMP. Serotonin and its congeners increase the concentration of cyclic AMP in intact parasites whereas antagonists inhibit such an effect. Cyclic AMP stimulates glycogenolysis, glycolysis and some rate-limiting glycolytic enzymes. It activates a protein kinase that may be involved in activation of glycogen phosphorylase and phosphofructokinase. Serotonin-activated adenylate cyclase in S. mansoni is activated early in the life of the schistosomule. The possibility is discussed that the availability of cyclic AMP through serotonin activation in these parasites may be a prelude to the development processes that take place in the parasite. The different components of the serotonin-activated adenylate cyclase in the parasite are the same as those that have been previously described for the host. Binding characteristics of the receptors indicate that the receptors in F. hepatica appear to be different from those that have been described in the host. The discovery of these receptors and their differences from those in the host offer a new site which is amenable to pharmacological manipulation. The search for new agents that influence serotonin receptors in these parasites could be included in a strategy for the development of new chemotherapeutic agents against these parasites.

Drug effects on the 5-HT response of Schistosoma mansoni

Several vertebrate 5-HT antagonists at concentrations around 0.1 mM reduced 5-HT-induced increases in the motor activity of the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. The order of potency for 5-HT response antagonism was haloperidol greater than cyproheptadine greater than mianserin greater than trazodone greater than spiperone greater than methysergide. Nisoxetine, a 5-HT uptake inhibitor in vertebrate preparations, was also a potent antagonist of the 5-HT response in schistosomes. The potent antischistosomal praziquantel reduced the 5-HT response similarly to the other antiserotonergic drugs, but at much lower concentrations, beginning around 0.1 microM. The 5-HT agonist quipazine stimulated worm activity at 1-0.1 mM when applied alone, but reduced the 1 mM 5-HT response when quipazine and 5-HT were administered concurrently. Dopamine (DA) alone had no effect on the overall activity of S. mansoni. Although no drug was found to have absolute species specificity, quantitative differences were observed between the relative activity of drugs in schistosomes and vertebrates.

Monoamine oxidase in adult Ascaridia galli

Monoamine oxidase (MAO), catalysing oxidative deamination of biogenic monoamines, has been detected in adult Ascaridia galli. MAO was present in mitochondria and deaminated noradrenaline at the maximal rate, although serotonin, adrenaline, tyramine and dopamine were also degraded but more slowly. Of the organs studied, the body wall, female reproductive organ and intestine, the body wall (containing neuronal structures) showed highest MAO activity. Km value for chick ascarid mitochondrial MAO using tyramine as substrate was 1.66 X 10(-3) M and it was most active at 2.5 mM tyramine concentration, pH 7.5 and 40 degrees C. MAO of A. galli appeared to be thermolabile as nearly 80% of its activity was lost when the incubation temperature was increased 5 degrees above optimum.

The neuropharmacology of schistosomes

The schistosomal nervous system uses some of the same neurotransmitters as the vertebrate system, but significant differences exist with respect to neurotransmitter metabolism and receptor specificity. The cholinergic system has been most extensively studied, and the serotoninergic system has also been examined carefully; catecholamines and benzodiazepines also seem to affect nervous system function. The objective of this work has been to determine whether neuroactive drugs could be used to disrupt the parasites' physiology sufficiently to have therapeutic impact, while avoiding toxic effects on the host nervous system. Promising findings have been made, suggesting that the unique properties of the schistosomal nervous system might be exploited to therapeutic advantage.

Monoamine oxidase in adult Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda)

A membrane-bound monoamine oxidase (EC 1.4.3.4) was demonstrated in homogenates of Hymenolepis diminuta. The enzyme oxidized a variety of biologically active amines (in decreasing order: dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline, tryptamine, tyramine, octopamine), there was, however, no activity with 5-hydroxytryptamine or benzylamine. No diamine oxidase (EC 1.4.3.6.) could be detected in H. diminuta (using histamine, cadaverine or putrescine as substrates). The monoamine oxidase from H. diminuta was not inhibited by azide, hydroxylamine or semicarbazide, but was inhibited by cupferron, alpha-alpha dipyridyl and iodoacetamide, and by the specific monoamine oxidase inhibitors pargyline, nialamide and iproniazid. Several anthelmintics were also found to be inhibitors of monoamine oxidase. The possible roles of monoamine oxidase in H. diminuta are discussed.

Qualitative analysis of substances excreted by Isoparorchis hypselobagri (Trematoda) during aerobic in vitro culture

Isoparorchis hypselobagri from the swim bladder of the catfish, Wallago attu was aerobically cultured in vitro. The dialyzed incubate was microchemically analysed for either individual or group of compounds excreted by the parasite. Amino acids, amines, amides, ammonia, aldehyde, glycine, alpha-alanine, tyrosine, alpha-aminocarboxylic acids, haemoglobin, nitrogen, reducing materials, and lactic, pyruvic, succinic, propionic and acetic acids were found in the incubate, but acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, O-dioxo and oxomethylene, and formic acid were not detected.