Molecular studies on insect octopamine receptors.

Octopamine receptors are widely distributed in the insect nervous system and carry out a range of functions equivalent to the adrenergic receptors of the vertebrate sympathetic nervous system. Molecular studies on insect octopamine receptors have concentrated upon molecular pharmacological approaches to identify the particular subtype of octopamine receptor mediating its effects in a particular tissue and on the modes of action of the receptors in a particular tissue. Molecular biological approaches are now being pursued to define the structure of the octopamine receptor. Recent findings in this area will be reviewed, along with promising approaches for future molecular studies on insect octopamine receptors.