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Purification of Extracellular Trypanosomes, Including African, from Blood by Anion-Exchangers (Diethylaminoethyl-cellulose Columns)
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Purification of Extracellular Trypanosomes, Including African, from Blood by Anion-Exchangers (Diethylaminoethyl-cellulose Columns)

Published on: April 6, 2019

[Trypanosome sensitivity to polyene antibiotics]

M V Chuenkova, N N Sukhareva, L K Liubimova

    Antibiotiki
    |June 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Polyenic antibiotics inhibit the growth of pathogenic Protozoa like Trypanosoma lewisi and Crithidia oncopelti by altering their cell membranes. Levorin and amphotericin B showed significant activity, reducing intracellular lipids.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Parasitology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Pathogenic Protozoa utilize plasma membrane swelling as a defense mechanism.
    • Polyenic antibiotics interact with membrane lipids, inducing structural changes in unicellular eukaryotes like fungi and Protozoa.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the inhibitory effects of five heptaene polyenic antibiotics on the growth of Trypanosoma lewisi and Crithidia oncopelti.
    • To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and IC50 values for these antibiotics.
    • To analyze the physiological, morphological, and lipid content changes in trypanosomides induced by these antibiotics.

    Main Methods:

    • Cultivation of Trypanosoma lewisi and Crithidia oncopelti.
    • Determination of MIC and IC50 values for amphotericin B, mycoheptin, levorin, its sodium salt, and levoridone.
    • Microscopic examination for physiological and morphological changes.
    • Biochemical analysis of intracellular lipid content.

    Main Results:

    • All tested polyenic antibiotics inhibited trypanosomide growth and development.
    • Levorin and amphotericin B exhibited the highest activity against Crithidia oncopelti, while levorin was most potent against Trypanosoma lewisi.
    • Significant physiological and morphological alterations were observed in the treated trypanosomides.
    • A reduction in total intracellular lipid content was demonstrated following antibiotic treatment.
    • The rate of inhibition varied based on the hydrophile structure of the antibiotic's lactone ring.

    Conclusions:

    • Heptaene polyenic antibiotics are effective inhibitors of trypanosomide growth.
    • Levorin and amphotericin B show promise as potential therapeutic agents against these protozoan parasites.
    • Antibiotic-induced changes in membrane lipid composition are a key factor in their mechanism of action.
    • Structural modifications of polyenic antibiotics can influence their efficacy.

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