In vitro effect of some anthelmintics on lactate dehydrogenase activity of Cotylophoron cotylophorum (Digenea: Paramphistomidae)

Effects of praziquantel (PZQ), levamisole (LEV), mebendazole (MBZ), fenbendazole (FBZ) and albendazole (ABZ) on the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity of Cotylophoron cotylophorum were studied in vitro. Maximum levels of inhibition of LDH catalysing both oxidation and reduction reactions were observed in PZQ- and LEV-treated worms. Similarly, benzimidazoles - MBZ, FBZ and ABZ - have also significantly inhibited the activity of LDH catalysing the oxidation of lactate; whereas the activity of LDH catalysing the reduction of pyruvate was accelerated. This affects the mitochondrial energy generating process which ultimately proves fatal to the parasite. Therefore, the mode of action of benzimidazoles is primarily on the activation of LDH catalysing the conversion of pyruvate to lactate. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.