Cholinergic anthelmintics

We have shown that the anthelmintics pyrantel, morantel and levamisole, activate acetylcholine (Ach) receptors on the muscle cell membranes of Ascaris suum and also that the avermectin 22,23-dihydroavermectin Bla (DHAVM) blocks the function of muscle cell gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. In experiments using micro-iontophoresis, the cholinergic anthelmintics were found to act directly on the muscle bag membrane, evoking a depolarizing response. 

In this paper we will review recent studies in our laboratory on the mode of action of neuroactive anthelmintics. We have concentrated on investigation of the following cholinergic anthelmintics the pyrimidines, pyrantel and morantel, and the imidothiazole, levamisole (Figure 1). Our findings from these... 

Figure 1. Chemical structures of the cholinergic anthelmintics levamisole, morantel and pyrantel.

AChE [abortefacient, anthelmintic, bronchodilatory, cholinergic, hypotensive, respiratory stimulant, uterotonic]... 

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