The effect of the 5-chloro-2-methylthio-6-(1-naphtyloxy)-1H-benzimidazole on the tegument of immature Fasciola hepatica in their natural host

Parasitol Res. 2005 Apr;95(6):379-82. doi: 10.1007/s00436-005-1304-z. Epub 2005 Feb 25.

Abstract

The damage to the tegument of 3-week-old Fasciola hepatica was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) following treatment with the 5-chloro-2-methylthio-6-(1-naphtyloxy)-1H-benzimidazole (called compound alpha) in its natural host. For the present study, flukes were raised in pelibuey sheep infected orally with metacercariae of F. hepatica; the parasites were recovered from the liver of the sacrificed sheep after 6, 12 and 24 h of treatment with compound alpha. At 6 h of treatment, the flukes showed some lesions on the ventral surface of the anterior region, such as a swollen tegument and blebs. At 12 h after treatment, the specimens showed structural disorganization and spine loss in the ventral anterior region. The tegument of the flukes treated for 24 h was completely lost in some areas of the ventral surface, leaving an exposed basal lamina. The tegument of immature F. hepatica might be a target organ for compound alpha to exert its fasciolicide effect.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / administration & dosage
  • Anthelmintics / pharmacology*
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
  • Epidermis / drug effects*
  • Epidermis / ultrastructure
  • Fasciola hepatica / drug effects*
  • Fasciola hepatica / growth & development
  • Fasciola hepatica / ultrastructure
  • Fascioliasis / drug therapy
  • Fascioliasis / parasitology
  • Fascioliasis / veterinary
  • Imidazoles / administration & dosage
  • Imidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Imidazoles / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Naphthalenes / administration & dosage
  • Naphthalenes / pharmacology*
  • Naphthalenes / therapeutic use
  • Sheep Diseases / drug therapy
  • Sheep Diseases / parasitology*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • 5-chloro-2-methylthio-6-(1-naphthyloxy)-1H-benzimidazole
  • Anthelmintics
  • Imidazoles
  • Naphthalenes