# INTERMEDIARY METABOLISM OF HELMINTHS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME · 1989 · $153,337

## Abstract

It is proposed to continue biochemical studies of parasitic helminths which
have been inaugurated over the previous 14 years of this proposal
(AI-09483).  Particular emphasis will continue to be placed on the
intestinal roundworm, Ascaris suum, the filariids, Brugia pahangi,
Litomosoides carinii and Dipetalonema viteae; the cestodes Hymenolepis
diminuta and Spirometra mansonoides; and the trematode Faciole hepatica.  A
number of striking differences have become apparent between the host and
parasite metabolisms.  These differences have been shown to exist at the
level of overall metabolic pathways, including energy yielding reactions,
as well as at the more subtle level of enzyme kinetics, structure and
intracellular distribution of enzymes.  Such differences are vulnerable to
chemotherapeutic attack.  Detailed metabolic studies of the parasitic
helminths will continue in an effort to attain a more precise appreciation
of the comparative aspects of host and parasite biochemistry which, in
turn, is essential for a more basic understanding of host-parasite and
parasite-drug interactions.

Specific areas of investigation will include:  a) The mechanism of
formation of succinate and volatile fatty acids by adult Ascaris.  b)
Comparative studies of energy generating reactions in the mitochondria of
Ascaris and other helminths.  These are quite different from the
corresponding reactions of mammalian systems, and include substrate level
phosphorylation from the decarboxylation of succinate to propionate, as
well as the electron transport system associated generation of ATP from the
fumarate reductase reaction.  C) The metabolism of the Ascaris reproductive
system, whish differs considerably from that of the nematode muscle, will
be examined.  Interrelationships between the muscle and reproductive
metabolisms will be studied.  d) Studies will be inaugurated concerning the
function of highly cristaeted mitochondria in the apparently homolactate
fermenting filariid parasites.  This will include amino acid and fatty acid
oxidizing capabilities.  e) Additional vulnerable sites for anthelmintic
activity and the modes of action of anthelmintics upon metabolic reactions
in the parasite will be considered.  f) New techniques of electrophysiology
and neuropharmacology of D. viteae are being developed employing
microelectrodes placed in individual somatic muscle cells.  g) The invasive
technique of 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance will be employed to examine
metabolism and drug action in intact Ascaris and Fasciola hepatica.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3124553
- **Project number:** 5R01AI009483-20
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FPU6XGFXMBE9
- **Principal Investigator:** HOWARD J SAZ
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $153,337
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1974-10-01 → 1990-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3124553

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3124553, INTERMEDIARY METABOLISM OF HELMINTHS (5R01AI009483-20). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3124553. Licensed CC0.

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