Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum growth by a synthetic iron chelator.
The susceptibility of the chloroquine-resistant malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (FCR-3) to a pyridoxal-based iron chelator was tested. 10 microM of the chelator 1[N-ethoxycarbonylmethyl-pyridoxy-lidenium]-2-[2'-pyri dyl] hydrazine bromide (code name L2-9) effectively inhibited growth in vitro of the parasites. Presaturation of the chelator with either ferric or ferrous iron partially blocked the inhibitory effect. Two hours' exposure of parasites to 20 microM L2-9 was sufficient to inhibit their growth irreversibly. Desferrioxamine blocked the inhibitory effect of L2-9. It is suggested that the chelator may be acting by generating free radicals in complexing intracellular iron.
Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Iheanacho
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Samuni
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Avramovici-Grisaru
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Sarel
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Spira
D000818:Animals; D003676:Deferoxamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D006834:Hydrazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D013997:Time Factors
D006834:Hydrazines; C065491:CGP 43902A; D003676:Deferoxamine