Titel:
Der Effekt von Ionenkanal-Inhibitoren auf die Abtötung von Leishmanien
Projektleitung an der Universität Würzburg:
Beteiligte Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler:
Kurzbeschreibung:
In this project, the effect of ion channel blockers on the clearance of Leishmania parasites by macrophages was investigated. We had previously shown that cultured parasites are sensitive to drugs blocking K+ and Na+ channels and Na+/H+ transport systems and that the percentage of parasite-infected macrophages decreases significantly in the presence of the drugs. We therefore analyzed the mechanisms that are responsible for the drug-induced clearance of parasites. Treatment of macrophages with the drug glibenclamide (GLIB) increased their resistance to infection with Leishmania. Interestingly, the killing of parasites was strongly enhanced when the cells were simultaneously treated with GLIB and IFN-. This effect correlated with an increased production of reactive nitrogen intermediates. The data suggest that GLIB treatment magnifies the IFN--stimulated clearance of Leishmania by macrophages via the induction of nitric oxide formation, a feature that may be of interest for the potential use of GLIB in therapeutic protocols.
Schlagworte:
Infektion
Parasiten
Makrophagen
Ionenkanal-Inhibitoren
Interferon
Laufzeit: von 09.1999 bis 09.2000
Förderinstitution:
Sonstige Stiftung
Publikationen: