Nitrophenide (Megasul) blocks Eimeria tenella development by inhibiting the mannitol cycle enzyme mannitol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase

Unsporulated oocysts of the protozoan parasite Eimeria tenella contain high levels of mannitol, which is thought to be the principal energy source for the process of sporulation. Biosynthesis and utilization of this sugar alcohol occurs via a metabolic pathway known as the mannitol cycle. Here, results are presented that suggest that 3-nitrophenyl disulfide (nitrophenide, Megasul), an anticoccidial drug commercially used in the 1950s, inhibits mannitol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase (M1PDH), which catalyzes the committed enzymatic step in the mannitol cycle. Treatment of E. tenella-infected chickens with nitrophenide resulted in a 90% reduction in oocyst shedding. The remaining oocysts displayed significant morphological abnormalities and were largely incapable of further development. Nitrophenide treatment did not affect parasite asexual reproduction, suggesting specificity for the sexual stage of the life cycle. Isolated oocysts from chickens treated with nitrophenide exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in mannitol, suggesting in vivo inhibition of parasite mannitol biosynthesis. Nitrophenide-mediated inhibition of MIPDH was observed in vitro using purified native enzyme. Moreover, MIPDH activity immunoprecipitated from E. tenella-infected cecal tissues was significantly lower in nitrophenide-treated compared with untreated chickens. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry showed that parasites from nitrophenide-treated and untreated chickens contained similar enzyme levels. These data suggest that nitrophenide blocks parasite development at the sexual stages by targeting M1PDH. Thus, targeting of the mannitol cycle with drugs could provide an avenue for controlling the spread of E. tenella in commercial production facilities by preventing oocyst shedding.

Biosynthesis and catabolism of mannitol is developmentally regulated in the protozoan parasite Eimeria tenella

The mannitol cycle is a metabolic branch of the glycolytic pathway found in Eimeria tenella. In this paper, we describe the biosynthesis and consumption of mannitol during parasite development. Low micromolar levels of mannitol were detected in all of the asexual stages and mannitol production increased sharply during the sexual phase of the life cycle. Unsporulated oocysts had high mannitol content (300 mM or 25% of the oocyst mass). Mannitol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase (M1PDH), the first committed step of the mannitol cycle, was also elevated in sexual stages and this coincides with mannitol levels. Approximately 90% of the mannitol present in unsporulated oocysts was consumed in the first 15 hr of sporulation, and levels continued to drop until the sporulation process was complete at approximately 35 hr. Thus, mannitol appears to be the "fuel" for sporulation during the vegetative stage of the parasite life cycle. Evaluation of oocyst extracts from 6 additional Eimeria species for mannitol content and the presence of M1PDH indicated that the mannitol cycle was broadly present in this genus. This finding combined with the lack of mannitol metabolism in higher eukaryotes makes this pathway an attractive chemotherapeutic target.

Development of a scintillation proximity assay for histone deacetylase using a biotinylated peptide derived from histone-H4

Measurement of histone deacetylase activity is usually accomplished by incubation of the enzyme(s) with acetate-radiolabeled histones or synthetic peptides based on histone sequences, followed by extraction and quantification of released radiolabeled acetic acid. Consequently, this assay is both time consuming and extremely limiting when large numbers of samples are involved. We have now developed a simple, two-step histone deacetylase assay that is based on the scintillation proximity assay (SPA) principle. A biotinylated [3H]acetyl histone H4 peptide substrate was synthesized and shown to generate a radioactive signal upon binding to streptavidin-coated SPA beads. Incubation of biotinylated [3H]acetyl peptide with HeLa nuclear extract (source of histone deacetylase) resulted in a time- and protein-dependent decrease in the SPA signal, providing a measure of enzyme activity. The histone deacetylase-mediated decrease in SPA counts was accompanied by a proportional appearance in free 3H-labeled acetate in the assay mixture. Histone deacetylase activity measured by SPA was concordant with that determined via the traditional ethyl acetate extraction procedure. Furthermore, a broad range of histone deacetylase inhibitors was demonstrated to have comparable effects on the catalytic activity of the HeLa nuclei enzyme using both assays. The histone deacetylase SPA system described here should be readily applicable for automated high-throughput screening and therefore facilitate the discovery of new inhibitors of histone deacetylases.

Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 belongs to the short chain dehydrogenase family: stereochemical and kinetic evidence

Pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) is a novel broad spectrum enzyme of pterin and folate metabolism in the protozoan parasite Leishmania. Overexpression of PTR1 confers methotrexate resistance to these protozoa, arising from the enzyme's ability to reduce dihydrofolate and its relative insensitivity to methotrexate. The kinetic mechanism and stereochemical course for the catalyzed reaction confirm PTR1's membership within the short chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family. With folate as a substrate, PTR1 catalyzes two rounds of reduction, yielding 5,6,7, 8-tetrahydrofolate and oxidizing 2 equiv of NADPH. Dihydrofolate accumulates transiently during folate reduction and is both a substrate and an inhibitor of PTR1. PTR1 transfers the pro-S hydride of NADPH to carbon 6 on the si face of dihydrofolate, producing the same stereoisomer of THF as does dihydrofolate reductase. Product inhibition and isotope partitioning studies support an ordered ternary complex mechanism, with NADPH binding first and NADP+ dissociating after the reduced pteridine. Identical kinetic mechanisms and NAD(P)H hydride chirality preferences are seen with other SDRs. An observed tritium effect upon V/K for reduction of dihydrofolate arising from isotopic substitution of the transferred hydride was suppressed at a high concentration of dihydrofolate, consistent with a steady-state ordered kinetic mechanism. Interestingly, half of the binary enzyme-NADPH complex appears to be incapable of rapid turnover. Fluorescence quenching results also indicate the existence of a nonproductive binary enzyme-dihydrofolate complex. The nonproductive complexes observed between PTR1 and its substrates are unique among members of the SDR family and may provide leads for developing antileishmanial therapeutics.

Biochemical and genetic tests for inhibitors of Leishmania pteridine pathways

The study of antifolate-resistant mutants of the protozoan parasite Leishmania has provided useful information about genetic processes such as gene amplification and mutation and knowledge of the unique features of the pteridine metabolic pathway in this primitive eukaryote. The novel bifunctional dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS) is an essential enzyme, yet most DHFR-TS inhibitors show little promise as potential drugs. Leishmania possess a novel alternative pteridine reductase (PTR1) which is relatively insensitive to methotrexate. We have proposed that the ability of PTR1 to serve as a metabolic bypass and thus modulate drug inhibition of DHFR-TS activity may be responsible for the poor efficacy of many antifolates. In this work, we have sought inhibitors of L. major PTR1 from a collection of 74 compounds. The most potent inhibitors were also tested against L. major DHFR-TS and human DHFR and several compounds showing good activity for PTR1 alone, or for all three reductases, were identified. The activity of these compounds was tested against wild-type promastigotes, and those which were potent inhibitors of both PTR1 and DHFR-TS (but not those active against only PTR1) showed good potencies. Growth inhibition tests of L. major mutants, lacking PTR1 or DHFR-TS (ptr1- and dhfr-ts- knockouts) or overexpressing PTR1, were used as a "genetic screen" to assess whether these two pteridine reductases were targets in vivo. Remarkably, only one compound showed a methotrexate-like pattern of inhibition. Six compounds showed good inhibition of Leishmania growth regardless of PTR1 or DHFR-TS levels. These findings suggest that Leishmania cells contain multiple targets for a diverse set of antifolates, with one or more significant targets in addition to DHFR-TS and PTR1. This emphasizes the necessity of combined biochemical and genetic screens in efforts to rationally design chemotherapeutic strategies in Leishmania.

New approaches to Leishmania chemotherapy: pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) as a target and modulator of antifolate sensitivity

Leishmania and other trypanosomatid protozoa require reduced pteridines (pterins and folates) for growth, suggesting that inhibition of these pathways could be targeted for effective chemotherapy. This goal has not yet been realized, indicating that pteridine metabolism may be unusual in this lower eukaryote. We have investigated this possibility using both wild type and laboratory-selected antifolate-resistant strains, and with defined genetic knockouts of several pteridine metabolic genes. In Leishmania, resistance to the antifolate methotrexate is mediated through several mechanisms singly or in combination, including alterations in transport leading to reduced drug influx, overproduction (R-region amplification) or point mutation of dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (DHFR-TS), and amplification of a novel pteridine reductase (PTR1, encoded by the H-region). All of the proteins involved are potential targets for antifolate chemotherapy. Notably, parasites in which the gene encoding dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) has been deleted (dhfr-ts- knockouts) do not survive in animal models, validating this enzyme as a target for effective chemotherapy. However, the properties of pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) suggest a reason why antifolate chemotherapy has so far not been successful in trypanosomatids. PTR1, by its ability to provide reduced pterins and folates, has the potential to act as a by-pass and/or modulator of DHFR inhibition under physiological conditions. Moreover, PTR1 is less sensitive to many antifolates targeted primarily against DHFR. These findings suggest that successful antifolate chemotherapy in Leishmania will have to target simultaneously both DHFR and PTR1.

The roles of pteridine reductase 1 and dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase in pteridine metabolism in the protozoan parasite Leishmania major

Trypanosomatid protozoans depend upon exogenous sources of pteridines (pterins or folates) for growth. A broad spectrum pteridine reductase (PTR1) was recently identified in Leishmania major, whose sequence places it in the short chain alcohol dehydrogenase protein family although its enzymatic activities resemble dihydrofolate reductases. The properties of PTR1 suggested a role in essential pteridine salvage as well as in antifolate resistance. To prove this, we have characterized further the properties and relative roles of PTR1 and dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase in Leishmania pteridine metabolism, using purified enzymes and knockout mutants. Recombinant L. major and Leishmania tarentolae, and native L. major PTR1s, were tetramers of 30-kDa subunits and showed similar catalytic properties with pterins and folates (pH dependence, substrate inhibition with H2pteridines). Unlike PTR1, dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase showed weak activity with folate and no activity with pterins. Correspondingly, studies of ptr1(-) and dhfr-ts- mutants implicated only PTR1 in the ability of L. major to grow on a wide array of pterins. PTR1 exhibited 2000-fold less sensitivity to inhibition by methotrexate than dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase, suggesting several mechanisms by which PTR1 may compromise antifolate inhibition in wild-type Leishmania and lines bearing PTR1 amplifications. We incorporate these results into a comprehensive model of pteridine metabolism and discuss its implications in chemotherapy of this important human pathogen.

p-Azidosalicyl-5-amino-6-phenoxybenzimidazole photolabels the N-terminal 63-103 amino acids of Haemonchus contortus beta-tubulin 1

Benzimidazoles (BZ) are broad spectrum anthelmintics thought to exert their effects by interacting with and disrupting the functions of microtubules. However, direct biochemical evidence for binding between BZ and tubulin has not been shown nor is it known what sequences in tubulin interact with BZ. In this study, a photoactive analogue of 2-acetamido-5-(3-aminophenoxy)benzimidaz ole that has biological activity similar to other benzimidazoles was synthesized and used to photoaffinity label cell lysates from the parasitic nematode of sheep Haemonchus contortus. The photoactive analogue, 2-acetamido-5-[3-(4-azido-3-125I-salicyl amido)phenoxy]benzimida zol e or 125I-ASA-BZ, was shown to photolabel a 54-kDa protein that was specifically immunoprecipitated with anti-tubulin monoclonal antibodies. Tubulin photoaffinity labeling by 125I-ASA-BZ was also inhibited with molar excess of various BZ analogues and colchicine. Interestingly, 125I-ASA-BZ photoaffinity-labeled the beta- and not the alpha-subunits of tubulin. Proteolytic digestion of 125I-ASA-BZ-labeled tubulin with Staphylococcus aureus V8 proteinase revealed one major peptide with an apparent molecular mass of 3.5 kDa. Exhaustive digestion of 125I-ASA-BZ-labeled beta-tubulin with trypsin resulted in two fractions containing radioactive peptides. Protein sequencing of the high performance liquid chromatography-purified tryptic ASA-BZ-photolabeled peptides identified the N-terminal 63-77 and 78-103 sequences as the BZ binding domain.

Benzimidazoles, potent anti-mitotic drugs: substrates for the P-glycoprotein transporter in multidrug-resistant cells

P-glycoprotein is though to mediate the energy-dependent efflux of many structurally and functionally unrelated lipophilic compounds. Presently, the molecular mechanism underlying the binding and efflux of drugs by P-glycoprotein is not well understood. However, it has been suggested that two planar benzene ring structures and a cationic charge are commonly found in many drugs that interact with P-glycoprotein. The benzimidazoles (BZs) are potent anti-tumour, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic agents, whose mode of action is thought to result from their inhibition of microtubule functions. Although other classes of microtubule inhibitors, such as colchicine and vinblastine, have been studied extensively with respect to their interaction and efflux by P-glycoprotein, the BZ group of drugs has not been characterized. In this study, we have characterized the interaction of BZ with multidrug-resistant cells and found that resistant cells accumulated substantially less BZ compared with drug-sensitive cells. Furthermore, BZ was more toxic to sensitive than to drug-resistant cells, suggesting that BZ is likely to be a substrate for the P-glycoprotein drug efflux pump. In addition, we used a photoactive analogue of BZ ([125I]ASA-BZ) to demonstrate a direct binding between BZ and P-glycoprotein. Results showing that a molar excess of vinblastine, unmodified BZ, verapamil and rhodamine 123, but not colchicine, inhibited the photoaffinity labelling of P-glycoprotein by [125I]ASA-BZ confirmed the binding specificity of BZ to P-glycoprotein. Protease digestion of [125I]ASA-BZ photoaffinity labelled P-glycoprotein yielded two peptides that were similar to those obtained with other P-glycoprotein-associated drugs, e.g. azidopine and iodoaryl azidoprazosin. Taken together, these results demonstrate a direct and specific interaction between P-glycoprotein and BZ in a manner that is probably similar to other previously characterized P-glycoprotein-associated drugs.

PTR1: a reductase mediating salvage of oxidized pteridines and methotrexate resistance in the protozoan parasite Leishmania major

Trypanosomatid protozoans are pterin auxotrophs, a finding noted decades ago which heralded the discovery of key metabolic roles played by pteridines in eukaryotes. We have now identified the enzyme mediating unconjugated pteridine salvage in the human parasite Leishmania major, PTR1 (pteridine reductase 1, formerly hmtxr or ltdh). PTR1 is the gene in the amplified H region responsible for methotrexate (MTX) resistance, and belongs to a large family of oxidoreductases with diverse substrates and roles. We generated Leishmania lacking PTR1 by homologous gene targeting, and these ptr1- mutants required reduced biopterin (dihydro- or tetrahydrobiopterin) for growth. PTR1 purified from engineered Escherichia coli exhibited a MTX-sensitive, NADPH-dependent biopterin reductase activity. PTR1 showed good activity with folate and significant activity with dihydrofolate and dihydrobiopterin, but not with quinonoid dihydrobiopterin. PTR1 thus differs considerably from previously reported pteridine reductases of trypanosomatids and vertebrates. Pteridine reductase activity was diminished in ptr1- Leishmania and was elevated in transfected parasites bearing multiple copies of PTR1; correspondingly, ptr1- was MTX-hypersensitive whereas the multicopy transfectant was MTX-resistant. The concordance of the biochemical and genetic properties of PTR1 suggests that this is the primary enzyme mediating pteridine salvage. These findings suggest several possible mechanisms for PTR1-mediated MTX resistance and should aid in the design of rational chemotherapy.

Characterization of rhodamine 123 binding to P-glycoprotein in human multidrug-resistant cells

The overexpression of P-glycoprotein is currently believed to be responsible for the enhanced efflux or decreased influx of cytotoxic drugs across the cell membrane in drug-resistant cells. P-glycoprotein has been proposed to mediate the efflux of a large number of structurally and functionally unrelated drugs. Although it has been suggested that P-glycoprotein binds directly to many lipophilic cations, it remains unclear whether one or more sites in P-glycoprotein mediate its broad substrate specificity. In this report, a photoactive derivative of rhodamine 123 (Rh123) [125I-azidosalicylic acid (ASA)-Rh123] was synthesized and used in a photoaffinity labeling assay to demonstrate, for the first time, direct and specific binding to P-glycoprotein. The photoaffinity labeling of P-glycoprotein by ASA-Rh123 was specifically inhibited in the presence of vinblastine and verapamil but not in the presence of colchicine. Surprisingly, ASA-Rh123 photoaffinity labeled a 6-kDa V8 peptide in P-glycoprotein that was previously shown to be photoaffinity labeled by another multidrug resistance-associated drug, [125I]iodoarylazidoprazosin. Photoaffinity labeling of mitochondria from drug-sensitive or -resistant cells with 125I-ASA-Rh123 did not reveal significant differences in the mitochondrial proteins from sensitive or resistant cells. Interestingly, however, 125I-ASA-Rh123 did photolabel a 66-kDa protein in mitochondria that was not detected in plasma membrane preparations with this assay. Taken together, our results demonstrate for the first time that Rh123 binds specifically to P-glycoprotein and that its binding site may be shared by other multidrug resistance-associated drugs.

Comparative sulphoxidation of albendazole by sheep and cattle liver microsomes and the inhibitory effect of methimazole

1. The comparative rates of oxidation of the benzimidazole anthelmintic, albendazole (ABZ), by sheep and cattle liver microsomes, and inhibition by the antithyroid compound methimazole (MTZ) were investigated. 2. ABZ was oxidized to its sulphoxide metabolite (ABZSO) in an NADPH concentration-dependent reaction. Heat inactivation of the microsomal flavin-containing mono-oxygenase system significantly decreased the NADPH consumption of microsomes in the presence of ABZ, MTZ and thiourea. 3. Oxidation of ABZ, MTZ and thiourea by sheep liver microsomes consumed significantly more NADPH than oxidation by cattle microsomes. 4. Neither the pro-ABZ drug, netobimin, nor the ABZ sulphone metabolite (ABZSO2) was modified by incubation with either sheep or cattle liver microsomes. 5. ABZSO was oxidized into ABZSO2 at a very slow rate and only when a high microsomal protein concentration was used. 6. MTZ was a potent inhibitor of ABZ sulphoxidation and the inhibition was significantly lower in cattle than in sheep microsomes.

Bioconversion of netobimin pro-drug by gastrointestinal fluids of ruminants

The biotransformation of netobimin (NTB) pro-drug by ruminal, abomasal and intestinal fluids of sheep and cattle was investigated under anaerobic conditions in vitro. No metabolic conversion of NTB was observed upon incubation with abomasal fluid or boiled samples of different gastrointestinal fluids. NTB pro-drug was reduced and cyclised into albendazole (ABZ) and this further oxidized into ABZ sulphoxide (ABZSO) and ABZ sulphone (ABZSO2) by both sheep and cattle ruminal and ileal fluids. A zwitterion formulation of NTB produced a significantly greater amount of anthelminthically active ABZ metabolites (ABZ and ABZSO) than a trisamine salt formulation of the same compound. Although there was no difference in the total amount of products formed, both cattle ruminal and ileal fluids showed a greater oxidative capacity than sheep derived fluids. This was evidenced by the greater amounts of ABZSO recovered and by the resultant lower ratios of ABZ/ABZSO obtained with cattle fluids.

Metabolism of albendazole and albendazole sulphoxide by ruminal and intestinal fluids of sheep and cattle

1. The metabolism of albendazole (ABZ), albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) and albendazole sulphone (ABZSO2) by ruminal, abomasal and ileal fluids of sheep and cattle was investigated under anaerobic conditions in vitro. 2. None of the compounds was metabolically changed by incubation with abomasal fluids of sheep and cattle. 3. ABZ and ABZSO were extensively metabolized by sheep and cattle ruminal and ileal fluids. ABZSO2 was unaffected by incubation with these gastrointestinal fluids. 4. The rate of ABZ oxidation into ABZSO was greater for cattle ruminal and ileal fluids than for sheep fluids. 5. ABZSO was reduced back to ABZ by ruminal and ileal fluids of both species. This reducing activity was significantly higher for both ruminal and ileal fluids of sheep compared with those of cattle.

Mechanisms of inactivation of Schistosoma mansoni and mammalian glutathione S-transferase activity by the antischistosomal drug oltipraz

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) purified from Schistosoma mansoni or human placenta was inhibited by the antischistosomal drug oltipraz (OPZ) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Inhibition of placenta GST was complete at a low concentration of drug, whereas that of parasite GST was incomplete and relatively high amounts of OPZ were needed to reach 50% inhibition. Complete reactivation of GST from placenta was achieved with dithiothreitol (DTT) and other sulfhydryl-containing compounds, while the inactivation of parasite GST was irreversible. The oxy-derivative of OPZ (RP 36,642), in which the thione sulfur is replaced with oxygen, did not inhibit GST activity. There were no differences between OPZ and RP 36,642 in their patterns of binding to the hydrophobic non-substrate site of GST. GST from the placenta incorporated much higher levels of [14C]N-ethylmaleimide compared to schistosome GST. The incorporation of [14C]N-ethylmaleimide by GST was inhibited by OPZ but not by RP 36,642. Yeast and S. mansoni hexokinases were similarly inhibited by OPZ but not by RP 36,642. Both hexokinase preparations recovered their activity following incubation with DTT. These data suggest that the inactivation of these enzymes by OPZ is a result of its interaction with their SH groups. Thus, the antischistosomal activity of OPZ may be accounted for by its interaction with the SH groups of macromolecules in general.

Induction of glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes in mouse liver by 5-(2-pyrazynl)-4-methyl-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (oltipraz)

Treatment of mice with a single dose of oltipraz (OPZ) at 200 mg/kg led to a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in hepatic cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and content. GST activity monitored with 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene was increased 3.8-fold 3 days after treatment, suggesting the induction of mu class isoenzymes. Ethacrynic acid, a marker for pi class isoforms, showed only a slight increase in GST activity while no induction was observed with cumene hydroperoxide, an indicator for the alpha class. The increase in mu class isoenzymes was further confirmed by separation of the mouse liver affinity purified GST by chromatofocusing and also by resolving the GST subunits by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatographic procedures. Therefore, OPZ induces mainly the mu class isoenzymes in mouse hepatic tissues.

Oltipraz-induced decrease in the activity of cytosolic glutathione S-transferase in Schistosoma mansoni

The activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) decreased progressively in Schistosoma mansoni from mice treated with oltipraz (OPZ). However, the peroxidase activity of GST (selenium-independent) and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase was not affected by OPZ treatment. Purification and quantification of GST from worms after OPZ treatment indicated that the decrease in enzyme activity was greater than could be accounted for by the decrease in GST protein content. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by Western blot analysis with GST isoenzyme specific antisera revealed a slight decrease in the quantity of both 26 and 28 kDa GSTs. Fractionation of cytosolic GSTs from male S. mansoni by chromatofocusing resolved three major isoenzymes (SmI, II and III) and a minor form which eluted first from the column. SmI, II and III all had a molecular weight of about 28 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. However, on electrophoresis in the absence of SDS, the three GST forms exhibited different mobilities. The pattern of SmI, II and III was similar in untreated and OPZ-treated worms, but the activities of the isoenzymes from treated worms were lower. The results suggest that OPZ interacts with the GST isoenzymes SmI, II and III in a similar manner; thus, the effects are not isoenzyme specific. Taken together, these results suggest that OPZ and/or its metabolites interact directly with GST resulting in inhibition of activity and reduction in total enzyme protein. This mechanism may be important in the antischistosomal action of OPZ.

Differential effects of oltipraz and its oxy-analogue on the viability of Schistosoma mansoni and the activity of glutathione S-transferase

Adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni recovered from mice treated with oltipraz (OPZ) showed a significant diminution in their ability to reduce 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) to formazan, a measure of parasite viability. Incubation of glutathione S-transferase (GST) from S. mansoni with OPZ resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of enzyme activity. RP 36,642 (an inactive oxy-derivative of OPZ) had a minimal effect on the viability of the worms and no effect on GST activity. The structural integrity of OPZ, particularly the thione sulphur, appears to be necessary for expression of the antischistosomal effects of the drug. OPZ-induced inhibition of GST was non-competitive with either reduced glutathione (GSH) or 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), indicating that the drug is not a substrate for GST-catalysed conjugation reactions. In addition, the inhibition of GST could not be reversed by dialysis or repurification of the enzyme via a GSH-agarose affinity column. The effects of OPZ on GST activity could render the parasite vulnerable to damage by host-derived reactive oxygen species and aldehydic products of lipid peroxidation. The effects of OPZ on GST activity may play a role in the antischistosomal action of OPZ.

Schistosoma mansoni: levels of antioxidants and resistance to oxidants increase during development

The effects of cell-free generated oxidants on migrating and developing stages of Schistosoma mansoni were investigated and the levels of antioxidant enzymes and of glutathione were determined for each stage. Schistosomula and 2-week-old parasites recovered from the livers of infected mice showed similar susceptibility to killing by added hydrogen peroxide and t-butylhydroperoxide. However, when glucose (0.5 mM)-glucose oxidase (2.5 mU ml-1) and xanthine (0.5 mM) or hypoxanthine (0.5 mM)-xanthine oxidase (5.0 mU ml-1) systems were used to generate hydrogen peroxide and oxygen free-radicals, schistosomula were more susceptible to oxidative killing than the 2-week-old parasites. The 4- and 8-week-old worms were more resistant to oxidants than all of the younger stages. High levels of superoxide dismutase (16.2-24.8 U mg-1 protein) were present in all stages. Catalase was not detected. Glutathione peroxidase activity with cumene hydroperoxide as substrate was not detectable in the schistosomula but the activity was present in the 2-week-old parasites. However, hydrogen peroxide-sensitive glutathione peroxidase activity was present in all the stages with a threefold difference in activity between schistosomula and the adult stages. Glutathione-s-transferase activity was significantly lower in the schistosomula, lung stages, and the 2-week-old parasites than in the older stages. Progressive increases in the levels of glutathione reductase and glutathione were also observed with development. The differences in the levels of antioxidants between different stages of development may partly explain the increase in resistance to oxidant-mediated damage as the parasite develops.