A quantitative colorimetric assay using the oxidation-reduction indicator resazurin was developed to measure cytotoxicity of compounds against the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This method is based on the detection of colorimetric changes caused by the oxidation (blue) and reduction (pink) capabilities of resazurin dye, an indicator for metabolic cell function. To validate the assay, the experimental conditions were adjusted, such as number of parasites, dye concentration, and time of incubation, with respect to linearity and lower limit of detection. We found that absorbances increased linearly, with the plating density of parasites as low as 5-100 x 10(4)/well (r=0.99; p<0.001) when they were incubated for 5 h at 28 degrees C in the presence of 10% resazurin solution (3 mM). When the cytotoxicity of the reference drugs nifurtimox and benznidazole was measured with this assay and compared to the microscopic counting method, the same range was obtained, demonstrating that the resazurin microtiter assay is valid for the screening of new trypanocidal compounds. This test is very simple, fast, sensitive, and cheap.

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The syntheses and biological evaluation of the first anti-protozoa imidazole N-oxide and benzimidazole N-oxide and their derivatives are reported. They were tested in vitro against two different protozoa, Trypanosoma cruzi and Trichomonas vaginalis. Derivative 7c, ethyl-1-(i-butyloxycarbonyloxy)-6-nitrobenzimid-azole-2-carboxylate, displayed activity on both protozoa. Lipophilicity and redox potential were experimentally determined in order to study the relationship with activity of the compounds. These properties are well related with the observed bioactivity. Imidazole and benzimidazole N-oxide derivatives are becoming leaders for further chemical modifications and advanced biological studies.