ACTIVATION OF HUMAN/RAT SERUM a -AMYLASE BY CHLOROQUINE AND FANSIDAR

Abstract

The effects of the antimalarials : fansidar (Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine) and chloroquine on rat and human serum α-amylase (EC. 3.2.1.1) activity were investigated in vivo and in vitro, at an optimum temperature of 37oC and an optimum pH of 7.0. In vivo, fansidar significantly (P<0.001) increased serum α-amylase activity in a concentration dependent manner. At a maximum fansidar dose of 7.20 mg/g body weight α-amylase activity was increased by 28.83 1.60% within 96 hours of the drug administration. In vitro, at fansidar concentration of 26.24mg per 100ml, serum α- amylase activity increased significantly by 5.90 x 102%.

Similarly, in vivo, chloroquine was found to increase α-amylase activity. At an optimal chloroquine dose of 2.88mg per 100g body weight, the activity of the enzyme increased by 6.88 +1.21% within 96 hours of the drug administration. In vitro at optimal chloroquine concentration of 41.65mg per 100ml, α-amylase activity increased by 7.51 x 102%.

These findings could hold some significance in relation to the biological function of the enzyme as well as clinical diagnosis involving the enzyme especially in subjects/ patients who are placed on these drugs therapeutically or otherwise.


Key Words: Chloroquine, Fansidar, Serum α-amylase, Rat, Humans.


(Global J Med Sci: 2002 1(1): 35-39)