CADAVERINE, A NORMAL CONSTITUENT OF TRYPANOSOMA-CRUZI

Polyamine composition of epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi, RA strain, was determined and the presence of putrescine, spermidine, spermine and cadaverine was showed. Putrescine levels varied inversely with those of cadaverine. Putrescine content was low while that of cadaverine increased when epimastigotes were grown: a) in a polyamine free medium throughout several dilutions, b) in the presence of inhibitors of putrescine synthesis. On the contrary, cellular putrescine levels increased and those of cadaverine dropped when this medium was supplemented with putrescine or with the precursors of its synthesis. A possible participation of cadaverine in the maintenance of cell viability is suggested.