Effect of 2-Methyl-l,4-Naphthoquinone on Glycolysis of Schistosoma mansoni.

Abstract

2-Methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone markedly inhibits aerobic glycolysis of Schistosoma mansoni in vitro. Since glycolysis, rather than oxidative metabolism, appears to be essential for the survival of these organisms, and since the toxicity of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone for mammalian species is low, the effect of this compound in experimental schistosomiasis has been studied. Results in mice suggest that the compound may act synergistically with subcurative doses of antimonials (“Fuadin”).