Evaluation of three novel azasterols against Toxoplasma gondii

Martins-Duarte, É. S., Lemgruber, L. , Lorente, S. O., Gros, L., Magaraci, F., Gilbert, I. H., de Souza, W. and Vommaro, R. C. (2011) Evaluation of three novel azasterols against Toxoplasma gondii. Veterinary Parasitology, 177(1-2), pp. 157-161. (doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.11.034) (PMID:21176865)

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Abstract

Previous studies from our group have demonstrated the high susceptibility of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites to the sterol analogues 22,26-azasterol and 24,25-(R,S)-epiminolanosterol. In this work we present data on testing in vitro three novel azasterols as potential agents for the treatment of toxoplasmosis. The three compounds inhibited parasite growth at micromolar concentrations, in a dose-dependent manner. Electron microscopy analysis of intracellular tachyzoites after treatment with the most effective compound showed drastic mitochondrion swelling associated with the appearance of an electron-lucent matrix and disrupted cristae. Parasite lysis also took place. The appearance of electron dense cytoplasmic structures similar to amylopectin granules distributed throughout the parasite suggests that azasterols might be inducing differentiation of those tachyzoites which were not lysed to the bradyzoite stage.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Lemgruber Soares, Dr Leandro
Authors: Martins-Duarte, É. S., Lemgruber, L., Lorente, S. O., Gros, L., Magaraci, F., Gilbert, I. H., de Souza, W., and Vommaro, R. C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Veterinary Parasitology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0304-4017
ISSN (Online):1873-2550
Published Online:01 December 2010

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