INHIBITORY EFFECT OF ARTEMETHER ON PROTEINASE OF SCHISTOSOMA-JAPONICUM

AIM: To study the effect of artemether (Art) on the thio proteinase (' 'hemoglobinase'', Hem) of Schistosoma japonicum. METHODS: Hem was extr acted from S japonicum adults. The inhibitory effect of Art on the act ivity of Hem to degrade human hemoglobin (Hgb) was examined with UV-ph otometer at 280 nm, SDS-PAGE and scanning at 600 nm on a chromoscanner . RESULTS: Human Hgb was degraded at pH 4.0 by the Hem. The activities of Hem preincubated at 37 degrees C with Art 0.14, 1.4, and 14 mmol.L -1, were inhibited by 30.2%, 39.8%, and 45.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIO N: Art possesses an inhibitory effect to Hem of S japonicum.