[Research progress on the action of praziquantel on voltage-gated Ca2+ channel in schistosomes]

Abstract

Pharmacological actions of praziquantel against schistosome adult worms are thought to be directly linked to the disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis. The voltage-gated Ca2+ channel is an important factor in regulating the intracellular Ca2+ level. Studies have revealed that Ca2+ channel subunits may be the target for the action of praziquantel. This review summarizes the progress on the structure and function of the Ca2+ channel of Schistosoma spp and other Platyhelminths as well as the role of Ca2+ channel in action of praziquantel.