Praziquantel-induced exposure of Schistosoma mansoni alkaline phosphatase: drug-antibody synergy which acts preferentially against female worms

Parasite Immunol. 1994 Oct;16(10):529-35. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.1994.tb00307.x.

Abstract

The efficacy of praziquantel-treatment of murine Schistosoma mansoni-infections can be enhanced by concurrent administration of rabbit anti-sera with specificity for parasite antigens. Monospecific rabbit serum raised against S. mansoni worm alkaline phosphatase, that was reactive with the enzyme on the drug-treated female surface, was found to significantly and preferentially increase the mortality of female worms by PZQ. Immunoglobulins purified from the anti-alkaline phosphatase antiserum inhibited 54% of schistosome alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity on the surface of praziquantel-treated worms. We propose that synergistic antibody-mediated death of drug-damaged worms is a consequence of the inhibition of drug-exposed alkaline phosphatase on the female worm surface by passively transferred antibody.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Helminth / pharmacology*
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Drug Synergism
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • Praziquantel / pharmacology*
  • Rabbits
  • Schistosoma mansoni / drug effects*
  • Schistosoma mansoni / enzymology
  • Schistosomiasis mansoni / parasitology
  • Sex Characteristics

Substances

  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • Praziquantel
  • Alkaline Phosphatase