In vitro evaluation of verapamil and other modulating agents in Brazilian chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum isolates

• Main Authors: Carla M.S. Menezes, Karin Kirchgatter, Sílvia M. Di Santi, Carine Savalli, Fabíola G. Monteiro, Gilberto A. Paula, Elizabeth I. Ferreira
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (SBMT) 2003
• Subjects: Chloroquine; Multidrug-resistance; Verapamil; Modulating agents; Reversal agents; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doaj.org/article/29b2c40c4aea41e29b823cc046623826

Verapamil, was assayed to record its modulating effect upon Brazilian Plasmodium falciparum isolates resistant to chloroquine. Other cardiovascular drugs known to be modulating agents in resistant malaria and/or multidrug-resistant neoplasias, including nifedipine, nitrendipine, diltiazem and propranolol, were also evaluated. Concentrations similar to those for cardiovascular therapy were used in the in vitro microtechnique for antimalarial drug susceptibility. Intrinsic antiplasmodial activity was observed from the lowest concentrations without a significant modulating action. Other reported modulating agents, such as the antipsychotic drug trifluoperazine and the antidepressants desipramine and imipramine, demonstrated similar responses under the same experimental conditions. Results suggest a much higher susceptibility of Brazilian strains, as well as an indifferent behaviour in relation to modulating agents.