Role of Ca2+ ion on Leishmania-macrophage attachment.

Leishmania donovani, the etiological agent for the disease visceral leishmaniasis, attach themselves to the macrophages for initiation of the disease. The attachment process has been found to be regulated by Ca2+ ions. Verapamil, a Ca(2+)-channel blocker inhibits Leishmania-macrophage attachment. The inhibitory effect is increased with time. Nifedipine, another Ca(2+)-channel blocker exhibits the same effect. The attachment process is stimulated by Ca(2+)-ionophore alone. The inhibitory effects of the calcium channel blockers are reversed by the ionophore.