Quinonic derivatives active against Toxoplasma gondii

Parasitol Res. 2002 Nov;88(11):969-71. doi: 10.1007/s00436-002-0615-6. Epub 2002 Jul 9.

Abstract

Quinonic derivatives were tested against a virulent RH strain of Toxoplasma gondii maintained in cell culture in THP-1, a human myelomonocytic cell line. The derivatives were tested at various doses (0.5-4 microg/ml) and compared with the reference molecules clindamycine, sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine and atovaquone. The percentage of parasite growth inhibition was observed after 72 h of incubation. The tested derivatives are bicyclic, tricyclic or tetracyclic quinones. Eight of these compounds exhibit over 70% inhibition of parasite growth; and two were nearly equipotent to pyrimethamine. These data indicate that the most active compounds against the RH strain of T. gondii are bis-heterocyclic quinones.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / chemistry*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Humans
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Parasitic Sensitivity Tests / methods
  • Quinones / chemistry*
  • Quinones / pharmacology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Toxoplasma / drug effects*
  • Toxoplasma / growth & development

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Quinones