ISSN:
1573-4919
Keywords:
Ca2+-channel blocker
;
verapamil
;
macrophage
;
nifedipine
;
Leishmania donovani
;
calcium ionophore
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Leishmania donovani, the etiological agent for the disease visceral leishmaniasis, attach themselves to the macrophages for initiation of the disease. The attachment process has been found to be regulated by Ca2+ ions. Verapamil, a Ca2+-channel blocker inhibits Leishmania-macrophage attachment. The inhibitory effect is increased with time. Nifedipine, another Ca2+-channel blocker exhibits the same effect. The attachment process is stimulated by Ca2+-ionophore alone. The inhibitory effects of the calcium channel blockers are reversed by the ionophore.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00232154
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