EFFECTS OF FLUOXETINE AND IMIPRAMINE ON MALE SCHISTOSOMA-MANSONI

1. Fluoxetine (30 μM) and imipramine (100 μM) when incubated in the presence of S. mansoni, cause a marked decrease in the parasite's muscular activity and tension. 2. Fluoxetine (30 μM) completely blocked the excitatory effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (100 μM) on the musculature of S. mansoni. 3. K+-induced (60 mM) contractures of the parasite's musculature were completely blocked when the parasite was preincubated in fluoxetine (30 μM) or imipramine (100 μM), while the contractures induced by the antischistosomal compound, praziquantel, were depressed when the parasites were preincubated in fluoxetine but not when they were preincubated in imipramine. 4. The increased influx of 45Ca2+ into S. mansoni observed after exposure of the parasite to praziquantel or a high concentration of K+ was partially blocked by fluoxetine. © 1979.