Open Conformational State Research Articles

Pyrethroid modification of sodium channel: Current concepts

Some of the present concepts of sodium channel structure and function are discussed in relation to the membrane potential effects of pyrethroid insecticides. All of the pyrethroids which have been studied to date stabilize sodium channels in the open conformational state. Differences in the membrane potential effects of various pyrethroids can be explained by differences in the kinetics with which sodium channels are stabilized in the open state. A very small fraction of the sodium channels must be modified in order to produce a significant membrane potential effect. This fact may explain, in part, the high insecticidal potency of these compounds.