"In vitro" effect of microtubule inhibitors on Trichomonas vaginalis

Microbiologica. 1985 Jan;8(1):31-42.

Abstract

This paper describes the effects of some antimicrotubular drugs (mebendazole, flubendazole, thiabendazole, colchicine, griseofulvin, vinblastine and isopropyl-N-phenylcarbamate or IPC) on growth and viability of Trichomonas vaginalis. Among the inhibitors tested, mebendazole and flubendazole irreversibly inhibit protozoa growth at low concentration (greater than or equal to 1 microgram/ml), while colchicine and griseofulvin act at higher concentrations and thiabendazole and IPC are ineffective. In order to explain mechanism of action of these drugs, some microtubule-correlated functions such as shape modification and mitotic index were studied. Our results support the hypothesis that the main targets for these compounds are the cytoplasmic microtubules of Trichomonas vaginalis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzimidazoles / pharmacology
  • Colchicine / pharmacology
  • Griseofulvin / pharmacology
  • Microtubules / drug effects*
  • Mitotic Index / drug effects
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / drug effects*
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / growth & development
  • Vinblastine / pharmacology

Substances

  • Benzimidazoles
  • Griseofulvin
  • Vinblastine
  • Colchicine