Effect of a Subcurative Dose of TWSb on the Levels of Phosphate Esters in Schistosoma Mansoni *

Abstract

Summary Seven hours after the administration of a single subcurative dose of TWSb to monkeys experimentally infected with Schistosoma mansoni, a shift of the worms towards the liver was observable. This was associated with changes in the ratios of hexose- and triosephosphate levels of the parasites, indicative of an inhibition of phosphofructokinase activity. Seven days after administration of the antimonial, the concentrations of the phosphate esters in the worms were similar to those of the controls. This coincided with a return of the parasites to the mesenteric veins. These observations indicate a close parallel between the chemotherapeutic action of TWSb and an inhibition of phosphofructokinase activity in S. mansoni.