Abstract
This study is the first report of a compound which is equal in efficacy to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the nematode Ascaris muscle GABA-receptor. The GABA-receptor at the Ascaris muscle cell which mediates a membrane hyperpolarization and muscle relaxation has eluded classification. The structure-activity profile of this receptor is not typical of GABAA or GABAB-receptors. Here we report that the isothiouronium compound ZAPA is as potent as GABA at this receptor. This finding has important implications for the characterization of the Ascaris GABA-receptor and the design of novel anthelmintics.
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Selected References
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