Biochemical and ultrastructural studies induced by phanquone on Entamoeba histolytica NIH-200

The action of phanquone on the incorporation of (14C)1-DL-valine and (14C)-8-adenine in TCA insoluble fractions of Entamoeba histolytica was examined as indices of RNA and protein synthesis respectively. The former was found to show greater sensitivity to the drug in terms of the effect manifested in the dose response curves for these parameters. Electron microscopic investigations with increasing concentrations of the drug demonstrated progressive vacuolization with concomitant dissolution of ribosomal helices. The drug had no significant effect on nucleus and plasma membrane even at concentration as high as 200 micrograms/ml.