[Leishmania donovani: structural insignt in the recognition of C-methylated analogues of spermidine as natural polyamine].

The ability of alpha-, beta-, gamma- and omega-methylated spermidine analogues to restore the growth of L. donovani promastigotes that were depleted of putrescine and spermidine was investigated. Only beta-methylated spermidine, like natural spermidine was capable of restoring the growth of L. donovani, while the remaining three analogues turned out to be inactive. Considering that alpha-methylated spermidine is a functionally active spermidine surrogate both in vivo and in vitro, this analogue can be considered as an antidote in the host-parasite system, especially in cases where inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis are used for the therapy of leishmaniasis.