Effect of ajoene on dimorphism of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Ajoene, a compound derived from ethanolic garlic extracts, inhibits the growth of the dimorphic pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, yeast cells being more sensitive to its action than mycelial cultures. Sulphydryl protector groups were able to cancel the inhibitory effect on the yeast cells but not on the mycelial cultures. The dimorphic process was also blocked when mycelia were placed to transform to yeast. Synthesis in vitro of cell wall glucan was not affected by ajoene. We discuss the possible involvement of ajoene on sulphydryl metabolism of P. brasiliensis.