Effects of aphidicolin on Entamoeba histolytica growth and DNA synthesis.
We have detected and characterized DNA polymerase activity in cell extracts from trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica and have found that the activity of E. histolytica is inhibited by aphidicolin, which is a specific inhibitor of eukaryotic nuclear replicative DNA polymerases. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of aphidicolin on growth and DNA synthesis by this parasite. Aphidicolin blocked the growth of axenic E. histolytica strain HM-1: IMSS. DNA synthesis was also inhibited by aphidicolin when assayed by incorporation of [3H] thymidine into the DNA. The inhibitory effect of aphidicolin on the growth of E. histolytica was abrogated by removal of the drug, and exposure to 3 microg/ml of the drug for at least 48 hr had little effect on the viability. Synchronous growth was observed in the recovery phase after removal of aphidicolin.
Makioka
A
A
Department of Tropical Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Ohtomo
H
H
Kobayashi
S
S
Takeuchi
T
T
D000818:Animals; D016590:Aphidicolin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016054:DNA, Protozoan / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000378:metabolism; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors
D016054:DNA, Protozoan; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors; D016590:Aphidicolin; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase