Abstract
The effects of four halogenated analogs of histidine on in vitro growth of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites were monitored by measurement of the incorporation of 3H-labeled amino acids into parasite proteins and by light and electron microscopy. The uptake of [3H]isoleucine was reduced to 50% of the control value by addition of 70 microM 2-fluoro-L-histidine (2-F-HIS) or 420 microM 2-iodo-L-histidine (2-I-HIS). [3H]histidine uptake into acid-insoluble material was affected equally by these two compounds, 50% inhibition resulting at 200 microM concentration. Morphological analysis of parasite development proved a sensitive assay, since development of mature trophozoites was inhibited 50% by 25 microM 2-F-HIS or 100 2-I-HIS. Electron microscopy studies suggested different mechanisms of action of 2-F-HIS and 2-I-HIS on P. falciparum. 2-F-HIS produced a decrease in knob number at the erythrocyte surface and accumulation of electron-dense material under the parasite membrane. 2-I-HIS had no obvious effect on knobs or electron-dense material but affected parasite morphology. Surprisingly, 2-chloro-L-histidine and 2-bromo-L-histidine did not inhibit P. falciparum in vitro, even though their halogen atom substituents are intermediate in size between F and I atoms. 2-F-HIS and 2-I-HIS were tested in vivo against P. falciparum in owl monkeys (Aotus sp.) but were ineffective at doses that were nontoxic.