Major biochemical targets recently studied are: (a) the GABA complex, including GABA recognition site, picrotoxinin receptor and chloride channel, (b) benzodiazepine binding site(s), (c) receptors for biogenic amines, glutamate receptors, and, (d) neural calcium sensitive phosphorylation systems. There also has been excellent progress in research on known target areas such as sodium channels and the ACh receptor. The importance of the GABA complex as a target of insecticides is now receiving due recognition. The picrotoxinin receptor is apparently the major target for all cyclodiene-type insecticides and bicyclophosphates. The accompanying chloride channel is considered to be the main site of action of avermectins in both invertebrate and mammalian species, though in the case of the latter group, other actions such as interference with GABA release and benzodiazepine receptors are involved.
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