EFFECTS OF DIAMFENETIDE ON METABOLIC AND EXCRETORY FUNCTIONS OF FASCIOLA-HEPATICA INVITRO

The effect of diamfenetide (DFT) on the time course of production of end-products of glucose metabolism, tissue ATP levels and NH3 production by adult F. hepatica in vitro was determined. Products of glucose metabolism were increased between 6-24 h incubation in 10-4 M DFT. Tissue ATP levels and NH3 production were decreased. The metabolic effects of DFT were manifested at a later time after drug exposure than previously described membrane-disruptive events indicating that metabolic effects of DFT on F. hepatica may have been secondary to the initial effects on surface membranes.