title: DDT: A NEW HYPOTHESIS OF ITS MODE OF ACTION.
abstract: It is suggested that DDT and perhaps other chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides owe their activity to the formation of a charge-transfer complex with a component of the nerve axon, with consequent disturbance of function. Experimental evidence is provided for the formation of two complexes with components of cockroach nerve; the complexes have been partially purified. Their formation is accompanied by an absorption in the 245- to 270-millimicron range.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons; D003634:DDT; D004594:Electrophysiology; D007313:Insecta; D007306:Insecticides; D009420:Nervous System; D009482:Neurophysiology; D010600:Pharmacology; D012106:Research
chemical_list: D007306:Insecticides; D003634:DDT
keywords: AXONS; DDT; ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY; EXPERIMENTAL LAB STUDY; INSECTS; NEUROPHYSIOLOGY; PHARMACOLOGY