Leishmanicidal activity of Himatanthus sucuuba latex against Leishmania amazonensis.

Abstract

Himatanthus sucuuba (HsL) latex exhibited a potent leishmanicidal activity against intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis, a causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis. HsL inhibited intracellular amastigote growth in a dose-dependent manner (IC(50)=15.7microg/mL). Moreover, HsL increased nitric oxide (NO) and Tumor Nuclear Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and decreased Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) production in macrophages. As assessed by plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity, HsL showed low toxicity for host macrophages. HsL in vivo was active by the oral route, reducing the parasite load in established footpad lesions after only five doses. In summary, these findings support HsL as an interesting candidate for further evaluations regarding its potential application as a therapeutical agent against Leishmania.

• Authors: Deivid C Soares, Alexandre L S Andrade, Jan C Delorenzi, Jefferson R A Silva, Leonardo Freire-de-Lima, Camila A B Falcão, Angelo C Pinto, Bartira Rossi-Bergmann, Elvira M Saraiva
• Journal: Parasitology international (Parasitol Int) Vol. 59 Issue 2 Pg. 173-7 (Jun 2010) ISSN: 1873-0329 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 20096374 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antiprotozoal Agents
• Latex

Topics

• Animals
• Antiprotozoal Agents (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Apocynaceae (chemistry)
• Cell Survival (drug effects)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Latex (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Leishmania (drug effects, growth & development)
• Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous (drug therapy, parasitology)
• Macrophages, Peritoneal (drug effects)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred BALB C
• Treatment Outcome