Comparative utilization of pyruvate by Brugia pahangi, Dipetalonema viteae, and Litomosoides carinii

The metabolism of pyruvate by the adult filarial parasites Brugia pahangi, Dipetalonema viteae, and Litomosoides carinii has been compared. Istopic carbon-balance studies indicate the presence of significant pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in L. carinii but little or no activity in either B. pahangi or D. viteae. In all 3 helminths, the quantities of pyruvate that were completely oxidized to CO2 and water were very small. The activities of some of the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes of B. pahangi also were determined. In particular, a relatively low level of isocitrate dehydrogenase was noted in the mitochondria of B. pahangi. It is suggested that the tricarboxylic acid energy generating pathway is of doubtful importance as an energy yielding pathway in any of these parasites.