ENTRAPMENT OF PRAZIQUANTEL IN LIPOSOMES MODIFIES EFFECTS OF DRUG ON MORPHOLOGY AND MOTILITY OF MESOCESTOIDES-CORTI (SYN. M-VOGAE, CESTODA) TETRATHYRIDIA IN MICE

In vivo efficacy of subcurative doses of praziquantel (PZQ) and liposo me - incorporated PZQ against tetrathyridia Mesocestoides corti (syn. M. vogae) in the liver and the peritoneal cavity was evaluated within two weeks after the last dose. In the onset of the experiments, effect s of both drug formulations on the surface morphology and motility of larvae were also studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and motility apparatus. Entrapment of the same concentration of PZQ in lip osomes modified effects of drug itsef and differences were found mainl y in the intensity and time-occurence of changes. Present data indicat e the prolonged circulation time of unmetabolized PZQ when given to mi ce in liposomes, at least for several days after intraperitoneal admin istration. Moreover, stronger impact of liposomized PZQ on the motilit y and structural changes of tegument implies the synergistic action of lipoid carrier for potentiation of the anthelmintic capacity of PZQ i tself.