Synaptic transmission insecticides

Soon after development of OP insecticides such as parathion, extensive electrophysiological studies were commenced for the purpose of elucidating the physiological rnechani.sm of action of OPs/CMs on the insect nervous system. The.se studies were conducted almost at the same time as nonmedical CM anti-ChEs were examined. Many of these studies conducted in the late 1940s through the early 1960s involved vertebrate neuromuscular junctions and insect. synaptic transmission. The effects of OPs/CMs on insect synapse,s are described later. 

Lindane is used predominately as a seed dressing and soil insecticide, for the control of ectoparasites of humans and domestic animals, for the control of locusts and grasshoppers, and as a residual spray to control the Anopheles vectors of malaria. Because of its relatively high volatility it is useful to control wood-boring insects of timber, fmit trees, and ornamental plants. The mode of action is not well understood but is thought to be competitive blocking of the y-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmitter of synaptic nerve transmission. 

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