title: The effect of catecholamines and catecholamine antagonists on the third larval moult of Dirofilaria immitis in vitro.
abstract: Various catecholamines and catecholamine antagonists have been examined for their effects on the third larval moult of the parasitic nematode. Dirofilaria immitis, cultured in vitro. The non-selective alpha and beta agonist, noradrenaline, and the beta agonist, isoprenaline, had no effect on the timing of the third stage moult when used at a concentration of 10(-5) M. The alpha-adrenergic antagonist, phentolamine, resulted in worm mortality at 10(-5) M. At 10(-7) M, both phentolamine and the beta-antagonist, propranolol caused a significant reduction in the numbers of larvae capable of completing the third stage moult. Idazoxan, an alpha 2-antagonist, at 10(-5) M did not affect worm mortality but did completely prevent ecdysis. The potential of these compounds as possible filaricides is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK.
authors.forename: E V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Warbrick
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Ward
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004146:Dioxanes / Q000494:pharmacology; D004183:Dirofilaria immitis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D019329:Idazoxan; D007545:Isoproterenol / Q000494:pharmacology; D007814:Larva / Q000187:drug effects; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D010646:Phentolamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D002395:Catecholamines; D004146:Dioxanes; D011433:Propranolol; D007545:Isoproterenol; D009638:Norepinephrine; D019329:Idazoxan; D010646:Phentolamine