S H Xiao1, J Q You, J Y Mei, H F Guo, P Y Jiao, H L Sun, M Y Yao, Z Feng. 1. Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai, China.
Abstract
AIM: To study the effect of artemether (Art) on glucose uptake and glycogen content in schistosomes. METHODS: Schistosomes recovered from mice treated intragastrically with Art 300 mg.kg-1 for 24-48 h, were incubated in the drug-free medium containing [U-14C]glucose 11.1 MBq.L-1. The glycogen content, [U-14C]glucose uptake, and incorporation of [U-14C]glucose into worm glycogen in both male and female worms were determined. RESULTS: When above-mentioned schistosomes were exposed to drug-free medium containing [U-14C]glucose for 1-24 h, the glycogen contents of male and female worms decreased 27%-61% and 39%-78%, respectively. Only 3 out of 6 male worm groups showed 23%-35% decrease in glucose uptake, while much less glucose uptake was found in female worms in all groups with reduction rates of 18%-38%. Apart from 2 male groups no apparent change in the incorporation of [U-14C]glucose into the worm glycogen was seen. CONCLUSIONS: Art-induced glycogen reduction in schistosomes was related to an inhibition of glycolysis rather than an interference with glucose uptake.
AIM: To study the effect of artemether (Art) on glucose uptake and glycogen content in schistosomes. METHODS: Schistosomes recovered from mice treated intragastrically with Art 300 mg.kg-1 for 24-48 h, were incubated in the drug-free medium containing [U-14C]glucose 11.1 MBq.L-1. The glycogen content, [U-14C]glucose uptake, and incorporation of [U-14C]glucose into worm glycogen in both male and female worms were determined. RESULTS: When above-mentioned schistosomes were exposed to drug-free medium containing [U-14C]glucose for 1-24 h, the glycogen contents of male and female worms decreased 27%-61% and 39%-78%, respectively. Only 3 out of 6 male worm groups showed 23%-35% decrease in glucose uptake, while much less glucose uptake was found in female worms in all groups with reduction rates of 18%-38%. Apart from 2 male groups no apparent change in the incorporation of [U-14C]glucose into the worm glycogen was seen. CONCLUSIONS:Art-induced glycogen reduction in schistosomes was related to an inhibition of glycolysis rather than an interference with glucose uptake.