Pharmacological evidence for a discrete neurotoxic action of dieldrin (HEOD) in the American cockroach,Periplaneta americana (L.)

The excitatory effects of HEOD poisoning on spontaneous activity, and synaptic function in the sixth abdominal ganglion of the American cockroach are described. These effects are shown to be antagonized by Mg²⁺, hemicholinium-3, atropine, and d-turbocurarine. HEOD poisoning did not alter the nicotine sensitivity of the ganglion. On the basis of the findings it is hypothesized that HEOD acts at presynaptic membranes of cholinergic junctions, causing excessive and spontaneous release of presynaptic stores of acetylcholine.