Effect of ivermectin on Caenorhabditis elegans larvae previously exposed to alcoholic immobilization.

First-stage larvae of Caenorhabditis elegans were immersed in 0.15% 1-phenoxy-2-propanol to induce temporary paralysis, including the suppression of pharyngeal pumping. Subsequent addition of ivermectin (to give 50 micrograms/ml) induced coiling and prolonged immobilization of such larvae, as also of control larvae (previously immersed only in water). The results suggest that ingestion of drug by means of pharyngeal pumping is not a prerequisite for the uptake of ivermectin at levels sufficient for antinematodal action.