The immunomodulating effect of a new polyamine (the MAP-1987) administered with chloroquine in plasmodia infected mice.

The biological activity of a new synthetic polypeptide, the MAP-1987 was proved in the rodent malaria system. The administration of 4 micrograms/kg of MAP-1987 prevents the haemolysis of the Plasmodium berghei infected erythrocytes but not the Plasmodium vinckei infected ones. The MAP-1987 given alone changes neither the survival time of the infected mice nor the rate of parasitaemia. The chloroquine given alone increases the survival time of the mice infected with P. berghei under the standardized experimental condition but later the animals die with a low rate of parasitaemia. Chloroquine administered together with MAP-1987 definitely cures the P. berghei infected animals. This activity is unique and specific and it does not apply to P. vinckei infection.