In vitro studies on the use of penicillamine with tartar emetic against Schistosoma mansoni worms

In vitro studies were carried out to test Sb125 tartar emetic (T.E.) in concentrations of 75, 100, 125, 150 and 200 mug/ml of rabbit serum and these concentrations together with penicillamine in ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:6 for their effect on the motility and antimony uptake by Schistosoma mansoni worms. The motility was observed microscopically every half hour for six hours and the Sb125 content was measured by a scintillation counter at one hour intervals for five hours. Results indicate that the ratio in which penicillamine is used with T.E. is very important. The antimony uptake by the worm is reduced, and the onset of T.E. action is delayed when it is used with penicillamine in a ratio exceeding 1:2.