Description
Abamectin is a macrocyclic lactone avermectin, produced from the soil organism streptomyes avermitilis, that exhibits antibiotic and anti-fertility activities. Abamectin inhibits F0F1-ATPase and the adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), preventing mitochondrial respiration and acting as an anti-parasitic/anti-helminthic. Additionally, abamectin decreases sperm count and motility and increases seminiferous tubule damage in male rats. This compound also inhibits GABA receptors in some models; other avermectins increase GABA release, indirectly stimulating activity of GABA receptors.