RESUMO
Measuring mirazid ability for contracting the worm muscle and its effect on the worm surface ultrastructure can be used to monitor the in vitro effect of any drug. This study aimed to investigate the actual effect of mirazid [a new schistosomicide, purified oleo-resin extract of myrrh, derived from Commiphora molmol plant] on S. Mansoni worms by detecting its in vitro effect. Three groups of white albino mice [five mice in each group] were infected by 100 cercariae for each mouse. The 3rd group served as a control group. Seven weeks post- infection, the mice were sacrificed, perfused and worms were collected. Muscle tension of the worms collected from the first group of mice was assayed in response to mirazid in rising concentrations of 100, 200, 300 and 400 nM. The in vitro effect of mirazid on the muscle tension of single S. Mansoni worm was determined using a special device to determine the percentage of change in work length [% shortening]