Cellular ATP and rate of respiration are important for the cell survival. We have analyzed both the parameters in wild type and arsenite resistant Leishmania mexicana amazonensis. There was no significant change observed in the rate of respiration and cellular ATP content between drug resistant cells (resistance to 30 microM of sodium arsenite) and wild type cells. Further, we have tested the effect of higher concentrations (i.e. 100 microM and 500 microM) of sodium arsenite on the ATP content of the cells. An elevated level of ATP was observed only in wild type cells after short term exposure (2 h) to 100 microM of the drug, whereas, drug resistant cells initially resist with higher toxic dosage of drug (i.e. 500 microM) but failed to maintain the normal ATP level. In conclusion, respiration and ATP is not a prime event associated with drug resistance in Leishmania. Resistance to metals like arsenic and antimony in Leishmania is multifactorial events.
Copyright 1999 Academic Press.