Ultrastructural analysis of β-lapachone-induced surface membrane damage in male adult Schistosoma mansoni BH strain worms.

André de Lima Aires, Eulália Camelo Pessoa Azevedo Ximenes, Renata Alexandre Ramos Silva, Vanessa Xavier Barbosa, Alexandre José da Silva Góes, Christina Alves Peixoto, Valdênia Maria Oliveira Souza, Mônica Camelo Pessôa de Azevedo Albuquerque

Index: Exp. Parasitol. 142 , 83-90, (2014)

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Abstract

The present study provides, for the first time, conclusions on the in vitro schistosomicidal properties of β-lap. Adult male Schistosoma mansoni worms of the BH strain were used for the study. Motility, mortality, cell viability and alterations in the tegument were employed as schistosomicidal parameters. Alterations in motility were observed 6h after incubation in concentrations of 50 and 100 μM. β-lap decreased significantly the worm viability, reducing the formation of formazan in 17.7%, 27.4% and 54.8% at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 μM, respectively. Mortality in concentrations of 50 and 100 μM was of 67% and 100%, respectively, after 24h. The death of the parasite was preceded by progressive surface membrane damage, characterized by tegument peeling, spine reduction and erosion, blister formation and rupture, and the emergence of holes. In addition to this, in the anterior portion, intense general edema, areas of cracking with a wrinkled surface, furrows and a fibrous appearance were also observed. The results of the present study thus provide a sound basis for further in-depth studies of the schistosomicidal properties of β-lap, both in the laboratory and in the field.Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.