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Effect of artemether on glucose uptake and glycogen content in Schistosoma japonicum
1Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai, China.
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.