Entrapment of praziquantel in liposomes modifies effects of drug on morphology and motility of Mesocestoides corti (syn. M. vogae, Cestoda) tetrathyridia in mice

In vivo efficacy of subcurative doses of praziquantel (PZQ) and liposome - incorporated PZQ against tetrathyridia Mesocestoides corti (syn. M. vogae) in the liver and the peritoneal cavity was evaluated within two weeks after the last dose. In the onset of the experiments, effects of both drug formulations on the surface morphology and motility of larvae were also studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and motility apparatus. Entrapment of the same concentration of PZQ in liposomes modified effects of drug itsef and differences were found mainly in the intensity and time-occurence of changes. Present data indicate the prolonged circulation time of unmetabolized PZQ when given to mice in liposomes, at least for several days after intraperitoneal administration. Moreover, stronger impact of liposomized PZQ on the motility and structural changes of tegument implies the synergistic action of lipoid carrier for potentiation of the anthelmintic capacity of PZQ itself.