Effects of free and liposomized praziquantel on the surface morphology and motility of Mesocestoides vogae tetrathyridia (syn. M. corti; Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) in vitro

Abstract

The effects of in vitro exposure to praziquantel (PZQ), liposomized PZQ (lip.PZQ), and empty liposomes on the surface morphology and motility of Mesocestoides vogae tetrathyridia were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a motility apparatus. Examination of treated larvae showed an effect that was concentration- and time-dependent, involving morphological damage that was similar in character for all of the treated groups. The most marked effects were a flattening and elongation of the larval body accompanied by irregularities in the surface architecture involving the development of tegumental protuberances and depressions. Erosion of the surface microvillous layer occurred only after overnight incubation, being most pronounced after treatment with lip.PZQ. The motility index of treated tetrathyridia corresponded well to the SEM observations. The frequency of contractions was maximal in worms treated with free PZQ at 25 μg/ml in both regimens. However, after incubation with lip.PZQ the increase in motility was concentration-dependent and of a greater extent. Empty liposomes and lipid mixtures of the same concentration and composition resulted in increased motility in treated larvae as compared with controls. More extensive tegumental damage and higher motility of larvae occurred after lip.PZQ treatment, perhaps resulting from a synergistic action of the drug and its associated lipid.