Inhibitory action of α-difluoromethylornithine on rodent malaria (Plasmodium berghei)

Abstract

The effect of α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase was tested on rodent malaria. It inhibited the exoerythrocytic schizogony of Plasmodium berghei in mice but has little or no action on the erythrocytic schizogony. These results are examined in relation to the reduction in polyamines concentration and the retardation of cell division observed with this compound.