Stimulation of Ca2+ uptake in the human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini by praziquantel.
45Ca2+ uptake by the human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini is enhanced by praziquantel. The drug-induced 45Ca2+ uptake was dependent on the presence of Ca2+ and was attenuated in the presence of 10 mM Mg2+. La3+ and vanadate at concentration of 1 mM partially reduced the amount of 45Ca2+ uptake into the liver fluke in response to praziquantel treatment. The stimulating effect of praziquantel was eliminated in the presence of 10 microM verapamil. These findings suggest that praziquantel increases the permeability of the liver fluke tegument to Ca2+ probably by interfering with the mechanism that regulates Ca2+ binding or transport across the tegumental membrane.