Oesophagostomum dentatum levamisole-sensitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (Ode-L-nAChR)

The Oesophagostomum dentatum levamisole-sensitive nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (Ode-L-nAChR) is a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel located at the neuromuscular junction of the parasitic nematode O. dentatum, commonly known as the nodular worm of pigs (Source: 1.1.2, 1.3.2). This receptor is a member of the Cys-loop superfamily and is typically composed of subunits such as UNC-38, UNC-63, UNC-29, and ACR-8 (Source: 1.1.2, 1.3.4). Its primary biological function is to mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission, which triggers muscle contraction and enables locomotion (Source: 1.1.1, 1.3.2). In veterinary medicine, the Ode-L-nAChR is a critical therapeutic target for anthelmintic drugs like levamisole and pyrantel (Source: 1.1.2, 1.3.2). These drugs act as potent agonists, causing prolonged activation of the receptor, which leads to spastic paralysis and the subsequent expulsion of the worm from the host's intestinal tract (Source: 1.3.2, 1.4.4). The receptor exhibits pharmacological diversity, with different conductance subtypes (e.g., G35) identified through electrophysiological studies (Source: 1.2.1, 1.3.2). However, the widespread use of these anthelmintics has led to the emergence of drug resistance, often characterized by changes in receptor subunit expression or composition (Source: 1.3.1, 1.4.4). Understanding the molecular structure and diversity of these receptors is essential for developing next-generation anthelmintics to overcome resistance in livestock parasites (Source: 1.1.1, 1.4.3).

Other names

L-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptorLevamisole receptorOde-L-AChROesophagostomum dentatum L-nAChR

Agonist; induces spastic paralysis by causing persistent depolarization of nematode muscle cells, leading to the expulsion of the parasite from the host.