A rapid method for the evaluation of nerve conduction blocking compounds

Abstract

1. A simple and easily accessible cockroach nerve preparation is described. 2. Afferent potentials elicited by electric stimulation of the cercus showed remarkable stability, providing a fairly adequate background for pharmacological experimentation. 3. Type I and type II pyrethroids were tested on the nerve preparation, and the results were compared with toxicity data obtained on the same species. 4. Blockade of nerve conduction showed positive correlation ( r = 0.804) with lethal effects. 5. The preparation would be useful for determining neuronal point of attack of test compounds and the study of pyrethroids.