Related Experiment Videos
Opiate alkaloids in Ascaris suum
S C Pryor1, Jennifer Putnam, Nanyamka Hoo
1State University of New York, Old Westbury Neuroscience Research Institute, PO Box 210, Old Westbury, New York, 11568, USA. pryors@oldwestbury.edu
Acta Biologica Hungarica
|July 24, 2004
Summary
The parasitic worm Ascaris suum synthesizes and contains morphine and morphine-6-glucuronide. These compounds stimulate nitric oxide release, suggesting a novel opiate receptor in the worm.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Neuropharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Opiate alkaloids, such as morphine, are typically found in plants.
- The presence and function of opiate alkaloids in parasitic organisms are largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and synthesis of opiate alkaloids in the parasitic worm Ascaris suum.
- To determine the functional role of these alkaloids in the worm's physiology.
Main Methods:
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection.
- Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
- Indirect immunofluorescent staining.
- Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Main Results:
- Morphine and morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G) were detected in Ascaris suum tissues, with higher concentrations in females.
- Ascaris suum demonstrated the ability to synthesize morphine.
- Morphine and M6G stimulated nitric oxide (NO) release from Ascaris muscle tissue.
- Pharmacological studies suggested a novel mu opiate receptor selective for M6G.
Conclusions:
- Ascaris suum synthesizes and contains morphine and M6G.
- These alkaloids play a role in regulating NO release, indicating a potential endogenous opiate system.
- The findings suggest the presence of a novel, M6G-selective mu opiate receptor in Ascaris suum.