Lycorine induces cell death in the amitochondriate parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, via an alternative non-apoptotic death pathway

Phytochemistry. 2011 May;72(7):645-50. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2011.01.023. Epub 2011 Feb 14.

Abstract

In this study, the mechanism of action of the pro-apoptotic alkaloid lycorine on an amitochondriate cell, the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, was investigated. The cytotoxicity of lycorine against T. vaginalis was studied from 2.5 to 1000μM and several important ultrastructural alterations were observed by electron microscopy. Lycorine arrested the T. vaginalis cell cycle, although no hallmarks of apoptosis, such as apoptotic bodies, were observed. Consequently, the underlying mechanism of action fails to completely fulfill the criteria for apoptosis. However, some similarities to paraptotic cell death were observed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids / pharmacology*
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects
  • Cell Death / drug effects*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Phenanthridines / pharmacology*
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / cytology*
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / drug effects*
  • Trichomonas vaginalis / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids
  • Phenanthridines
  • lycorine