Effects of some β-carboline alkaloids on intact Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes

Abstract

Several β-carboline (9H-pyrido-[3,4-b]-indole) alkaloids were evaluated for in vitro trypanosomicidal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes belonging to two different strains (Tulahuen and LQ) showing different sensitivity to nifurtimox. Important differences were observed in the susceptibility of the parasites to these natural substances, with the relatively nifurtimox-resistant LQ strain showing greater sensitivity to the β-carbolines. Respiratory chain inhibition appears to be a possible determinant of the trypanosomicidal activity of these compounds.