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Schistosoma mansoni: insulin independence.
1Department of Health Research and Policy, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305.
Experimental Parasitology
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Schistosoma mansoni parasites do not utilize host insulin for glucose metabolism. Studies show schistosomes lack specific insulin receptors, relying on diffusion for nutrient uptake.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Host hormones, including insulin, are known to influence schistosomes.
- Understanding parasite-hormone interactions is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of insulin on glucose metabolism in Schistosoma mansoni.
- To determine the presence of specific insulin receptors in schistosomes.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of male, female, and paired Schistosoma mansoni with varying concentrations of insulin.
- Measurement of glucose consumption and [14C]glucose/[14C]deoxyglucose uptake and incorporation.
- Competitive binding assays using radiolabeled insulin and insulin-like growth factor II.
Main Results:
- Insulin, vasopressin, and an insulin mimic did not affect glucose consumption or uptake in schistosomes.
- Competitive binding studies revealed only nonspecific binding, indicating the absence of specific insulin receptors.
- Autoradiography confirmed generalized nonspecific uptake of labeled compounds.
Conclusions:
- Schistosoma mansoni lacks specific insulin receptors.
- Parasite glucose requirements are met through diffusion from host plasma glucose.
- No insulin-dependent metabolic mechanisms have evolved in these parasites.