Schistosoma mansoni: effect of gossypol on infections in mice

Gossypol, a toxic drug present in cotton seed oil, was subcutaneously injected into mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Injections were given daily over three 15 day-periods covering, respectively, schistosomula migration through skin and lungs, parasite establishment in the mesenteric veins and the schistosome sexual maturation phase. Worms were recovered by mesenteric perfusion and eggs were counted in livers and intestines 52 days after infection. Gossypol neither influenced schistosome development nor affected parasite fecundity. Schistosome-induced splenomegaly was not altered by gossypol, but the drug further aggravated the poor health status of the mice. In contrast to the reported activity of gossypol against other parasites, a parasiticidal activity was not detectable with schistosomes.