Effect of artemether on glucose uptake and glycogen content in Schistosoma japonicum
Abstract
AIM: To study the effect of artemether (Art) on glucose uptake and glycogen
content in schistosomes.
METHODS: Schistosomes recovered from mice treated intragastrically with Art 300
mg.kg-1 for 24-48 h, were incubated in the drug-free medium containing
[U-14C]glucose 11.1 MBq.L-1. The glycogen content, [U-14C]glucose uptake, and
incorporation of [U-14C]glucose into worm glycogen in both male and female worms
were determined.
RESULTS: When above-mentioned schistosomes were exposed to drug-free medium
containing [U-14C]glucose for 1-24 h, the glycogen contents of male and female
worms decreased 27%-61% and 39%-78%, respectively. Only 3 out of 6 male worm
groups showed 23%-35% decrease in glucose uptake, while much less glucose uptake
was found in female worms in all groups with reduction rates of 18%-38%. Apart
from 2 male groups no apparent change in the incorporation of [U-14C]glucose into
the worm glycogen was seen.
CONCLUSIONS: Art-induced glycogen reduction in schistosomes was related to an
inhibition of glycolysis rather than an interference with glucose uptake.
Keywords:
content in schistosomes.
METHODS: Schistosomes recovered from mice treated intragastrically with Art 300
mg.kg-1 for 24-48 h, were incubated in the drug-free medium containing
[U-14C]glucose 11.1 MBq.L-1. The glycogen content, [U-14C]glucose uptake, and
incorporation of [U-14C]glucose into worm glycogen in both male and female worms
were determined.
RESULTS: When above-mentioned schistosomes were exposed to drug-free medium
containing [U-14C]glucose for 1-24 h, the glycogen contents of male and female
worms decreased 27%-61% and 39%-78%, respectively. Only 3 out of 6 male worm
groups showed 23%-35% decrease in glucose uptake, while much less glucose uptake
was found in female worms in all groups with reduction rates of 18%-38%. Apart
from 2 male groups no apparent change in the incorporation of [U-14C]glucose into
the worm glycogen was seen.
CONCLUSIONS: Art-induced glycogen reduction in schistosomes was related to an
inhibition of glycolysis rather than an interference with glucose uptake.