Insect γ-aminobutyric acid-gated chloride channel receptor (GABA-gated Cl- channel)

The insect γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channel receptor is a critical component of the insect nervous system, serving as the primary mediator of fast inhibitory neurotransmission (Source: Ozoe, Y., 2013, PMID: 23810025). It belongs to the Cys-loop superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels and is typically composed of subunits encoded by the Resistance to dieldrin (RDL) gene (Source: Gisselmann et al., 2004, PMID: 15147511). When GABA binds to the receptor, the integral ion channel opens, allowing chloride ions to flow into the neuron, which results in membrane hyperpolarization and the suppression of action potentials. This receptor is a major target for various insecticide classes, including phenylpyrazoles, cyclodienes, and isoxazolines, which generally act as non-competitive antagonists (Source: Casida & Durkin, 2013, PMID: 23062058). By binding to the channel pore or allosteric sites, these chemicals block chloride conductance, leading to overstimulation of the nervous system, paralysis, and death of the insect (Source: IRAC Mode of Action Classification, 2023). Due to its distinct pharmacological profile compared to mammalian GABA receptors, it remains a key focus for developing selective pest control agents with reduced vertebrate toxicity.

Other names

RDL receptorResistance to dieldrin receptorIonotropic GABA receptorInsect GABA-A-like receptorGABA-gated chloride channel

Non-competitive antagonism of the chloride channel pore or allosteric modulation, which blocks the inhibitory effect of GABA and leads to lethal neuronal hyperexcitation.