Effects of 3-chloro-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives on Trypanosome cruzi epimastigotes

A series of 3-chloro-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives produced differ ent degrees of inhibition of parasite growth and respiration on clone Brene r, LQ and Tulahuen strains of Trypanosome cruzi epimastigotes. Respiratory chain inhibition appears to be a posible determinant of the trypanosomicida l activity of this compounds. No difference in the action of these derivati ves was found among the different parasite strains. For comparative purpose s, the inhibitory effects of felodipine and nicardipine are also reported. A good correlation between toxic effects and the easiness of oxidation of t he dihydripyridine ring was found. The presence of a fused ring on the dihy dropyridine moiety significantly diminished the inhibitory effects. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.