Benznidazole biotransformation in rat heart microsomal fraction without observable ultrastructural alterations: comparison to Nifurtimox-induced cardiac effects
Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz
; 103(6): 549-553, Sept. 2008. ilus, tab
Article
in En
| LILACS
| ID: lil-495743
Responsible library:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
Benznidazole (Bz) and Nifurtimox (Nfx) have been used to treat Chagas disease. As recent studies have de-monstrated cardiotoxic effects of Nfx, we attempted to determine whether Bz behaves similarly. Bz reached the heart tissue of male rats after intragastric administration. No cytosolic Bz nitroreductases were detected, although microsomal NADPH-dependent Bz nitroreductase activity was observed, and appeared to be mediated by P450 reductase. No ultrastructurally observable deleterious effects of Bz were detected, in contrast to the overt cardiac effects previously reported for Nfx. In conclusion, when these drugs are used in chagasic patients, Bz may pose a lesser risk to heart function than Nfx when any cardiopathy is present.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
LILACS
Main subject:
Trypanocidal Agents
/
Heart
/
Myocardium
/
Nifurtimox
/
Nitroimidazoles
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Mem. Inst. Oswaldo Cruz
Journal subject:
MEDICINA TROPICAL
/
PARASITOLOGIA
Year:
2008
Document type:
Article
/
Project document
Affiliation country:
Argentina
Country of publication:
Brazil