The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is the target of synthetic, nicotine-based insecticides, called neonicotinoids. The proposed work will examine in detail the interactions of two selected neonicotinoids, imidacloprid and clothianidin, with human muscle (a?de) and neuronal-type (a4?2) nAChR. There are two aims.
The first aim i s to establish the properties of activation and modulation by imidacloprid and clothianidin of the muscle-type nAChR.
The second aim i s to determine the mechanisms of neuronal-type nAChR modulation by imidacloprid and clothianidin. The results will help to better define the mechanisms of insecticide toxicity, and may be useful in learning how to provide protection from neonicotinoids, as well as provide insights into designing novel, more highly selective neonicotinoids.

Public Health Relevance

Neonicotinoids are synthetic, nicotine-based compounds used as the active ingredients in many widely used insecticides. In mammals, exposure to neonicotinoids can result in tremors and lack of coordination. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is the major target of neonicotinoids in mammals. The proposed work will examine the mechanisms of action of two selected neonicotinoids, imidacloprid and clothianidin, on the nAChR.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03ES017484-01A1
Application #
7788661
Study Section
Biophysics of Neural Systems Study Section (BPNS)
Program Officer
Balshaw, David M
Project Start
2010-02-10
Project End
2011-11-30
Budget Start
2010-02-10
Budget End
2010-11-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$76,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Washington University
Department
Anesthesiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
068552207
City
Saint Louis
State
MO
Country
United States
Zip Code
63130