Evaluating the Inhibitory Effects of Colchicine and Propranolol on Toxoplasma gondii Entrance into Host Cells in vitro and in vivo

Backgrounds: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite of increasing concern to humans and animals. Considering the side effects of drugs used to treat toxoplasmosis, it is essential to find alternative drugs. Materials & Methods: In this study, colchicine and propranolol at four concentrations (۱, ۵, ۱۰, and ۱۵ µg/mL) were added to the RPMI medium containing peritoneal macrophages and incubated for ۶۰ min, Then tachyzoites were added to the medium, and the efficacy rates of colchicine and propranolol in inhibiting tachyzoites entry into macrophages were evaluated after ۳۰ and ۶۰ min. For in vivo assay, one group received no drugs, and the second group was treated with colchicine and propranolol at different concentrations for different durations. Findings: The in vitro experiment showed that treatment with ۱۵ mg/mL of colchicine and propranolol for ۶۰ min following tachyzoites addition was the most efficient method to inhibit tachyzoites penetration, indicating the efficacy rates of ۸۰.۲۰%±۱.۲۰ and ۸۹.۹۷%±۱.۳۰, respectively (p< .۰۵). Based on the in vivo test, pretreatment with ۲ mg/kg of colchicine one hour before tachyzoites injection had the best inhibitory effect (۷۰.۳۲%±۴.۰۷). Also, pretreatment with ۲ mg/kg of propranolol ۹۰ min before tachyzoites injection (۷۸.۵۴%±۱.۹۹) induced the best inhibitory effect (p< .۰۵). Conclusion: According to the results, colchicine and propranolol could inhibit tachyzoites entrance into nucleated cells in vitro and in vivo. In this study, the most efficient concentrations and times for using these substances were determined.

کلیدواژه ها:

Toxoplasma gondii ، Colchicine ، Propranolol ، In vitro ، In vivo