Schistosoma mansoni: the presence and potential use of opiate-like substances

The present study demonstrates that morphine- and codeine-like molecules are present in Schistosoma mansoni following HPLC separation and identification with an appropriate commercially available antibody. Furthermore, the endogenous material, corresponding to morphine, mimics authentic morphine in its ability to induce immunocyte rounding and immobility, an action that is naloxone sensitive. The codeine-like material is not found at high concentrations compared to the morphine-like material, indicating, as in mammals and Mytilus edulis, the potential rapid conversion of codeine to morphine. Coincubation with human leukocytes increases the endogenous level of this material in adult worms, indicating the presence of a positive feedback loop. Last, EDTA, a chelator of divalent cations, has a strong stimulating effect in the synthesis of morphine-like material by the worm as noted by higher levels of this material in its presence. Taken together, the results suggest that this parasite may utilize this immune downregulating molecule in its effort to escape host immunosurveillance as well as in inhibiting an immune response directed against itself.