The Role of Prostaglandins in Cercarial (Schistosoma mansoni) Response to Free Fatty Acids

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Abstract
In examining the structure-activity relationship of a diverse group of chemicals reported to prevent cercarial penetration after topical application, a moiety was noticed that was common to free fatty acids and prostaglandins. Because unsaturated fatty acids have been reported to stimulate cercarial penetration, cercarial stimulation by skin and fatty acids may invoke prostaglandin mechanisms in cercariae, skin, or both. The stimulation of cercariae by a series of essential and nonessential fatty acids was compared. An inhibition of this response by ibuprofen and aspirin, known cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, and by 13-azaprostanoic acid, a potent antagonist of the thromboxane/endoperoxide receptor was demonstrated. A major role for prostaglandins in the cercarial penetration response is postulated.