Dicrocoeliosis of Old Mouflon Ewes - Effect on Biotransformation Enzymes and Metabolism of Anthelmintics In Vitro

Parasitic infections can modify the host's ability to metabolize drugs by altering the biotransformation en- zymes. Mouflon (Ovis musimon), the wild sheep, is very sensitive to parasitic diseases. In the present study, in vitro ac- tivities of thirteen hepatic biotransformation enzymes and the in vitro metabolism of albendazole and flubendazole were compared in old mouflon ewes, either non-infected or infected with lancet flukes (Dicrocoelium dendriticum). The most pronounced decline in 6�� testosteron hydroxylase, glutathione-S-transferase and UDP-glucuronosyl transferase activities was observed in Dicrocoelium-infected animals. In addition, dicrocoeliosis caused a decrease in both albendazole and flubendazole phase I hepatic metabolism. However, the changes were very slight therefore any undesirable alterations in albendazole and flubendazole pharmacokinetics are not expected. Decreased activities of 6�� testosterone hydroxylase, glutathione-S-transferase and UDP-glucuronosyl transferase can impair drug elimination from the infected animals. This should be taken into consideration in pharmacotherapy or pharmacoprophylaxis of mouflons and sheep.