Primaquine antimalarial actions

MECHANISM OF ANTIMALARIAL ACTION Little is known about the antimalarial action of the 8-aminoquinolines. Primaquine may be converted to electrophiles that act as oxidation-reduction mediators, which may be the toxic moiety. 

The possible site of action for the antimalarials as potential photosensitizers will be various parts of the eye and the skin. Photohemolytical properties photosensitized polymerization of lens proteins and interaction with melanin were therefore selected as in vitro test parameters in the further screening of these compounds. According to their photohemolytical capability, quinacrine, quinine, and primaquine need to be considered as potential in vivo photosensitizers (Kristensen et al., 1994a). 

The binding of 8-amlnoquinollne antlmalarials to DNA conqparable to that with chloroquine has been reported.7° effect on DNA fxmction may be involved with antimalarlal activity. Co-en nne Q which is associated with the mitochondrial oxidation of DPNH and succinate and is present in the metabolism of the parasite has been shown to be inhibited by chloroquine, primaquine, quinacrine and menoctone (IV), thus suggesting diversity of action for antimalarial drags.77... 

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