Effect of D-propranolol on growth and motility of flagellate protozoa.
Propranolol inhibits sperm motility and has been considered as a spermicide contraceptive. In view of the inhibitory effects of D-propranolol on sperm flagellar activity, we have investigated its effect on motility and growth of two human flagellate, protozoan parasites. D-propranolol had a dose-dependant inhibitory effect on motility of Giardia lamblia and Trichomonas vaginalis with ED50s of 0.38 and 0.66 mmol/l respectively, D-propranolol also inhibited growth of both parasites with ED50s of 0.18 and 0.23 mmol/l for Giardia and Trichomonas respectively. D-propranolol, unlike DL-propranolol is devoid of the unwanted effects of beta-blockade, and thus may be a useful antiprotozoal drug particularly after vaginal placement when it is concentrated in vaginal mucus.
D000818:Animals; D005872:Giardia / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D009068:Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014246:Trichomonas vaginalis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development
D011433:Propranolol