Effects of phosphonium compounds on Schistosoma mansoni.

A new series of phosphonium salts was examined for effects on the cholinergic nervous system of Schistosoma mansoni. Studies were conducted using both an activity-monitoring and fluorescent-labeling technique. The activity method gave more definitive results, indicating that some poly(methylene)bis(triphenylphosphonium) salts and some [3-(alkylamino)propyl]triphenylphosphonium salts have strong anticholinergic effects. Hexyltriphenylphosphonium bromide has very marked effects both in the motility and the fluorescence test, but these effects cannot immediately be ascribed to cholinergic actions.