Abstract
It was found that retinol at concentrations of 0.2–1.0 mg · ml −1 caused significant 51Cr release from schistosomula, while adult worms appeared unaffected. Retinol was shown, by spectrofluorimetry and fluorescence microscopy, to be absorbed into the membrane systems of both schistosomulum and adult worm, particularly when the parasites were incubated in retinol dissolved in non-ionic detergents (Tweens 20, 40 and 80). The retinol within the adult membrane could be induced to cause detectable 51Cr and 125I wheat germ agglutinin release if the adult was treated with retinol in combination with Tween 20. The effect of the combination of Tween 20 and retinol, was synergistic for the release of both isotopes. This synergism was also observed when haemolysis of human erythrocytes was measured. Thus it is possible to greatly enhance the effect on the schistosome and the erythrocyte membrane of one membrane-active compound by presenting it in combination with another. This may have implications in chemotherapy when membrane active drugs are employed.
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