Moxidectin

Moxidectin is broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent used in animals to prevent or control parasitic worms (helminths), such as heartworm and intestinal worms, in dogs, cats, horses, cattle and sheep. Moxidectin kills some of the most common internal and external parasites by selectively binding to a parasite's glutamate-gated chloride ion channels. These channels are vital to the function of invertebrate nerve and muscle cells. When moxidectin binds to the channels, it disrupts neurotransmission, resulting in paralysis and death of the parasite. Moxidectin selectively enhanced the tonic GABA conductance of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in rats. Moxidectin is also used in the treatment of onchocerciasis, against acaricides/miticides, as well as in the prevention and treatment of other parasitic infections in veterinary medicine. Moxidectin belongs to the milbemycin familyand is similar to avermectins in terms of chemical strucutre. It might have some antitumor and multidrug resistance properties.