ABSTRACT
The biosynthesis of polyamines and reactions related to this pathway are critical to growth, division and control of the life cycle in African trypanosomes (Bacchi and McCann, 1987; Pegg and McCann, 1988; Giffin and McCann, 1989). Figure 43.1 displays the pathways of polyamine synthesis in trypanosomes, as well as the associated pathways and inhibitors of these reactions. This chapter is intended as an overview of polyamine metabolism and related pathways in African trypanosomes, and to highlight inhibitors now under study as well as potential targets in these pathways. Other chapters in this volume (see Chapters 40, 41 and 44-46) deal in depth with specific enzymes of this pathway and their inhibitors.
