The effect of adenosine analogues on the in vitro growth of Trypanosoma cruzi

Trypanosoma cruzi (Brazil strain) was maintained in liver infusion tryptose and medium supplemented with 5 or 10% foetal calf serum at 27 degrees C on a rotating shaker platform. 85 to 95% of the organisms under these conditions are epimastigotes and the medium supported logarithmic growth for up to 24 hours. The effect of S-isobutyl adenosine and Sinefungin against cultured T. cruzi epimastigotes was studied: growth rate was slowed by both in a dose-dependent fashion; 500 micrometer Sinefungin caused complete inhibition which was irreversible after 24-hour exposure but the effect of S-isobutyl adenosine (100 micrometer) was reversible. Motility and morphology appeared to be unaffected.