The Sound of Evolution
Diethylcarbamazine
Mechanism of action:
Diethylcarbamazine is a piperazine derivative. Its exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it may damage the surface structure of microfilariae, alter the permeability of the parasite's surface membrane, and enhance recognition and clearance by the host immune system. It may also affect arachidonic acid metabolism and impair the parasite's ability to defend itself against host immune responses, allowing macrophages and eosinophils to attack the parasite more effectively.
Reference(s):
1. Bach MK et al. (1986). Inhibition of the leukotriene synthetase of rat basophil leukemia cells by diethylcarbamazine, and synergism between diethylcarbamazine and piriprost, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor. Biochem Pharmacol.
2. Cernak I et al. (1996). Leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of pulmonary blast injury. J Trauma.