Are Ca2+ channels targets of praziquantel action?
Praziquantel is the current drug of choice for the control of schistosomiasis. It is highly effective against all species of schistosomes and shows minimal adverse effects. Though introduced for the treatment of schistosomiasis more than 20 years ago, the mode of action of praziquantel remains to be elucidated. This review will focus on advances in defining the molecular target of praziquantel action, with particular emphasis on recent work indicating an important role for voltage-gated calcium channels.
Greenberg
Robert M
RM
Marine Biological Laboratory, 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA. rgreenberg@mbl.edu
D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000187:drug effects*; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000187:drug effects; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012547:Schistosoma / Q000187:drug effects*; D012556:Schistosomicides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D015220:Calcium Channels; D012556:Schistosomicides; D011223:Praziquantel