Several pesticide classes act on GABA receptors, but only a subset function as true agonists. Legacy cyclodienes such as dieldrin act as GABA antagonists, blocking chloride channels and producing hyperexcitation. In contrast, macrocyclic lactones—including the avermectins and milbemycins—are GABA agonists that open chloride channels, leading to neuronal hyperpolarization and paralysis in target organisms.
Among the avermectins, abamectin is widely used in agriculture to control mites, while emamectin benzoate targets lepidopteran pests in crops such as maize and vegetables. Ivermectin, doramectin, and eprinomectin are primarily veterinary antiparasitics, though ivermectin also appears in some ectoparasite control formulations. The milbemycin group . . .
Please Subscribe to continue reading
