Abstract
The calmodulin inhibitors trifluoperazine (TFP), chlorpromazine (CPZ) and R24571 inhibited the yeast-to-mycelial transition of Candida albicans in vitro. This dimorphic switch is thought to potentiate the invasion of host tissues in superficial and systemic candidosis. Growth of six strains of C. albicans and a range of other pathogenic and saprophytic fungi was inhibited by TFP in vitro with an MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of <31 μg ml-1 (65 μm) indicating that this compound is a general inhibitor of fungal growth. Between 20 and 60 μm TFP inhibited dimorphism markedly without completely inhibiting growth in the yeast form. This suggests that calmodulin is important in the regulation of yeast-hyphal morphogenesis and that TFP antagonizes this process thereby suppressing the yeast-to-hypha conversion. The potential of TFP as a therapeutic agent was investigated further in superficial and systemic animal models. TFP was used topically against vaginal candidosis in rats, but no significant protect...
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call