Insights into the impact of Ivermectin on some protein aspects linked to Culex pipiens digestion and immunity.

In developing countries, low-cost control and treatment programs that offer combined approaches against diseases and their vectors are certainly needed. Ivermectin (IVM) has been well known for its role in the treatment of parasitic diseases, due to its effect on glutamate-gated chloride channels. These same channels are also present in the mosquito vector, and thus, research has focused on the insecticidal effects of this drug. Possible alternative mechanisms of IVM on the physiology of mosquitoes, however, have not been sufficiently elaborated. We assessed the protease activity, lipid peroxidation, and local expression of STAT, p53, caspase-3, and Bax markers to study the effect of this antibiotic on digestion and immunity in Culex pipiens. Sugar- and blood-feeding assays were employed to investigate the potential influence of blood feeding on the dynamics of these parameters. IVM was found to have an effect on protease activity, lipid peroxidation as well as the expression of different markers investigated in this work. The focus on the detailed effect of this drug certainly opens the gate to broadening the spectrum of IVM and expanding its health and economic benefit, especially that it is relatively more affordable than other antibiotics on the market.

Leukaemogenic effect of toxoplasmosis and irradiation on albino rats.

The leukaemogenic effect of irradiation associated with toxoplasmosis was studied. Rats were infected with Toxoplasma gondii RH strain 3 weeks prior to irradiation. The leukaemic effect of irradiation was aggravated by toxoplasmosis as leukaemia appeared in 10% of 300 cGy irradiated rats and in 30% of 500 cGy irradiated ones, six months after irradiation.