Periplocoside P affects synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction and reduces synaptic excitability in Drosophila melanogaster by inhibiting V‐ATPase

BACKGROUND Periplocoside P (PSP) is a major component of Periploca sepium Bunge known for its potent insecticidal activity. V‐Type adenosine triphosphatase (V‐ATPase), which is widely distributed in the cytoplasmic membranes and organelles of eukaryotic cells, plays a crucial role in synaptic excitability conduction. Previous research has shown that PSP targets the apical membrane of goblet cells in the insect midgut. However, the effects of PSP on synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction are often overlooked. RESULTS The bioassay revealed that Drosophila adults with different genetic backgrounds showed varying levels of susceptibility to PSP in the order: parats1 > parats1;DSC1−/− ≈ w1118 > DSC1−/−. Intracellular electrode recording demonstrated that PSP, similar to bafilomycin A1, had an impact on the amplitude of the excitatory junction potential (EJP) and accelerated excitability decay. Furthermore, the alteration in EJP amplitude is concentration‐dependent. Another surprising discovery was that the knockout DSC1 channel showed insensitivity to PSP. CONCLUSION Our findings confirm that PSP can influence synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction of Drosophila larvae by targeting V‐ATPase. These results provide a basis for investigating the mechanism of action of PSP and its potential application in designing novel insecticides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. Periplocoside P (PSP), a primary insecticidal compound from Periploca sepium, can influence synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction of Drosophila larvae by targeting V‐type adenosine triphosphatase. These results provide a basis for investigating the mechanism of action of PSP and its potential application in designing novel insecticides.