Mechanism of action of amphotericin B on Leishmania donovani promastigotes

The growth of Leishmania donovani promastigotes in a liquid medium was completely inhibited by amphotericin B at a concentration of 0.3 microgram ml-1 (0.3 microM). Continuous release of small molecules that absorb at 260 nm and 280 nm was observed after contact with the drug. Uptake of [U-14C]glucose was inhibited in cells treated with the drug. An immediate release of isotopic glucose and its metabolites from preloaded cells could be demonstrated after incubation with amphotericin B (0.4 microM). Inhibition of respiration by the drug was a comparatively slower process. All the above effects could be effectively prevented in the presence of either cholesterol or ergosterol. The primary site of action of amphotericin B on L. donovani promastigote cells appears to be membrane sterols that result in a loss of the permeability barrier to small metabolites. An interesting biochemical similarity, thus, emerges between flagellated protozoa and fungi.