Identification of the genes encoding for putative gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl) alpha receptor subunits in sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis)

摘要

Ectoparasitic infection of Atlantic salmon by sea lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis continues to have a considerable effect on salmon farms in Europe and North America (Pike & Wadsworth, 1999). Control of these parasites relies heavily on the use of chemotherapeutics, specifically the avermectin, emamectin benzoate (SLICE~(R)) (Westcott et al., 2004). Avermectin compounds act by irreversibly binding to, and opening, both ionotropic gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) causing paralysis and subsequent death to the parasite (Arena et al, 1995; Bloomquist, 2003).