Cytochrome P-450 activity in malarial parasites and its possible relationship to chloroquine resistance

Mol Biochem Parasitol. 1990 Jun;41(2):251-7. doi: 10.1016/0166-6851(90)90188-r.

Abstract

Cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme activities have been determined in malarial parasites. Both Plasmodium berghei and Plasmodium falciparum parasites exhibited activity and these activities were greater in chloroquine resistant parasites than in sensitive strains. This enzyme activity could be induced by phenobarbitone and inhibited by specific inhibitors of the cytochrome P-450 family of enzymes. The significance of these observations in parasite drug resistance is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 7-Alkoxycoumarin O-Dealkylase / metabolism
  • Aminopyrine N-Demethylase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Chloroquine / pharmacology*
  • Cimetidine / pharmacology
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism*
  • Drug Resistance
  • Enzyme Induction
  • Kinetics
  • Phenobarbital / pharmacology
  • Plasmodium berghei / drug effects
  • Plasmodium berghei / enzymology*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / drug effects
  • Plasmodium falciparum / enzymology*
  • Spectrum Analysis

Substances

  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Cimetidine
  • Chloroquine
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
  • 7-Alkoxycoumarin O-Dealkylase
  • Aminopyrine N-Demethylase
  • Phenobarbital