The effect of levamisole and albendazole on some enzymes of Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinae

Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinae obtained from the common fowl Gallus gallus were exposed to 10(-2)-10(-5)M levamisole and albendazole; both compounds caused death of the parasites in vitro. The effect of the drugs was investigated on homogenates of the treated worms. Albendazole, at 10(-2)M, inhibited oxaloacetate reduction by 67 and 53% and malate oxidation by 21 and 17% in A. galli and H. gallinae, respectively, whereas 10(-4)M levamisole completely inhibited malate dehydrogenase activity in both directions in the two parasites. Lactate dehydrogenase was not affected significantly by either anthelmintic. Aldolase activity was diminished by 57 and 32% in A. galli and H. gallinae, respectively, with 10(-4)M levamisole. Levamisole at 10(-4)M also inhibited the activity of acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterase and cholinesterase. Albendazole had no significant effect on these enzymes in either parasite. Malate dehydrogenase and cholinesterase activity of the host tissue (intestine and caecum) was also reduced significantly with 10(-2) and 10(-3)M levamisole. These studies indicated a multiple mode of action of levamisole and albendazole.