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Zainal Abidin SA, Liew AKY, Othman I, Shaikh F. Animal Venoms as Potential Source of Anticonvulsants. F1000Res 2024; 13:225. [PMID: 38919947 PMCID: PMC11196940 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.147027.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide, and there is an urgent need to develop safe and effective therapeutic agents. Animal venoms contain diverse bioactive compounds like proteins, peptides, and small molecules, which may possess medicinal properties against epilepsy. In recent years, research has shown that venoms from various organisms such as spiders, ants, bees, wasps, and conus snails have anticonvulsant and antiepileptic effects by targeting specific receptors and ion channels. This review underscores the significance of purified proteins and toxins from these sources as potential therapeutic agents for epilepsy. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the valuable role of animal venoms as a natural resource for further exploration in epilepsy treatment research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syafiq Asnawi Zainal Abidin
- Monash University Malaysia, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Anthony Kin Yip Liew
- Monash University Malaysia, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Iekhsan Othman
- Monash University Malaysia, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Farooq Shaikh
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, 2800, Australia
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2
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Current knowledge, challenges, new perspectives of the study, and treatments of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 106:82-93. [PMID: 34695561 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 70 years, the understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) improved greatly and is characterized as a heterogeneous neuropsychiatric syndrome. ASD is characterized by difficulties in social communication, restricted and repetitive behavior, interests, or activities. And it is often described as a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. There are many treatments and approaches to ASD, including pharmacological therapies with antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood regulators, stimulants, and behavioral ones. However, no treatment is capable of reverting ASD. This review provides an overview of animal models of autism. We summarized genetic and environmental models and then valproic acid treatment as a useful model for ASD. As well as the main therapies and approaches used in the treatment, relating them to the neurochemical pathways altered in ASD, emphasizing the pharmacological potential of peptides and bioinspired compounds found in animal venoms as a possible future treatment for ASD.
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Lopes KS, Quintanilha MVT, de Souza ACB, Zamudio-Zuñiga F, Possani LD, Mortari MR. Antiseizure potential of peptides from the venom of social wasp Chartergellus communis against chemically-induced seizures. Toxicon 2021; 194:23-36. [PMID: 33610635 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases in the world. The objective of this research was to investigate a new peptide from the venom of the social wasp Chartergellus communis useful to the study or pharmacotherapy of epilepsy. The wasps were collected, and their venom was extracted. Afterward, the steps of fractionation, sequencing, and identification were carried out to obtain four peptides. These molecules were synthesized for behavioral evaluation tests and electroencephalographic assays to determine their antiseizure potential (induction of acute seizures using the chemical compounds, pentylenetetrazole - PTZ, and pilocarpine - PILO) and analysis of neuropharmacological profile (general spontaneous activity and alteration in motor coordination). Chartergellus-CP1 (i.c.v. - 3.0 μg/animal) caused beneficial alterations in some of the parameters evaluated in both models: PTZ (latency and duration of maximum seizures) and PILO (latency and duration of, and protection against, maximum seizures, and reduction of the median of the seizure scores. When evaluated in 3 doses in the seizure model induced by PILO, the dose of 3.0 μg/animal protected the animals against seizures, with an estimated ED50 of 1.49 μg/animal. Electroencephalographic evaluation of Chartergellus-CP1 showed an improvement in latency, quantity, and percentage of protection against generalized electroencephalographic seizures in the PILO model. Further, Chartergellus-CP1 did not cause adverse effects on general spontaneous activity and motor coordination of animals. This study demonstrated how compounds isolated from wasps' venom may be important resources in the search for new drugs. Such compounds can be considered valuable therapeutic and biotechnological tools for the study and future treatment of epileptic disorders. In this context, a peptide that is potentially useful for epilepsy pharmacotherapy was identified in the venom of C. communis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Soares Lopes
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fernando Zamudio-Zuñiga
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Lourival Domingos Possani
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Bioprocesses, Institute of Biotechnology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
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4
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Pizzo AB, Beleboni RO, Gomes Carolino RO, de Oliveira L, Miranda A, Coutinho-Netto J, Fontana ACK, Dos Santos WF. Isolation and chemical characterization of agelaiatoxin8 (AvTx8) from Agelaia vicina wasp venom and its biological effects on GABA neurotransmission. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2017. [PMID: 28621878 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms are sources of molecules that may be useful tools to investigate molecular mechanisms of putative new medicines and laboratory drugs. Here we show the effects of the compound agelaiatoxin-8 (AVTx8), isolated from Agelaia vicina venom, on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in rat brain synaptosomes. Analysis reveals that AvTx8 is composed by 14 amino acid residues with a molecular weight (MW) of 1567 Da. AvTx8 increased GABA release and inhibited GABA uptake in synaptosomes from rat cerebral cortex. AvTx8 inhibited GABA uptake and increased GABA release in the presence of Ca+ , Na+ , and K+ channel blockers, suggesting that it acts directly on GABA transporters. In addition, AvTx8 significantly decreases GABA binding in synaptic membranes from rat brain cortex, suggesting that it also modulates the activity of GABA receptors. Moreover, AvTx8 decreased GAT-1- and GAT-3-mediated GABA uptake in transfected COS-7 cells. Accordingly, we suggest that AvTx8 modulates GABA neurotransmission and might provide a novel entry point for identifying a new class of GABA-modulating neuroprotective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea B Pizzo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Renê O Beleboni
- Biotecnology Department, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto (UNAERP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ruither O Gomes Carolino
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology,Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luciana de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Antonio Miranda
- Department of Biophysics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joaquim Coutinho-Netto
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology,Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Andréia C K Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wagner Ferreira Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, College of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature (FFCLRP), University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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5
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Pharmacological Alternatives for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Wasp and Bee Venoms and Their Components as New Neuroactive Tools. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:3179-209. [PMID: 26295258 PMCID: PMC4549745 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7083179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are relentlessly progressive, severely impacting affected patients, families and society as a whole. Increased life expectancy has made these diseases more common worldwide. Unfortunately, available drugs have insufficient therapeutic effects on many subtypes of these intractable diseases, and adverse effects hamper continued treatment. Wasp and bee venoms and their components are potential means of managing or reducing these effects and provide new alternatives for the control of neurodegenerative diseases. These venoms and their components are well-known and irrefutable sources of neuroprotectors or neuromodulators. In this respect, the present study reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms of action and future prospects regarding the use of new drugs derived from wasp and bee venom in the treatment of major neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
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6
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Monge-Fuentes V, Gomes FMM, Campos GAA, Silva JDC, Biolchi AM, Dos Anjos LC, Gonçalves JC, Lopes KS, Mortari MR. Neuroactive compounds obtained from arthropod venoms as new therapeutic platforms for the treatment of neurological disorders. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:31. [PMID: 26257776 PMCID: PMC4529710 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of neurological disorders in society is growing with alarming estimations for an incidence increase in the next decades. These disorders are generally chronic and can affect individuals early during productive life, imposing real limitations on the performance of their social roles. Patients can have their independence, autonomy, freedom, self-image, and self-confidence affected. In spite of their availability, drugs for the treatment of these disorders are commonly associated with side effects, which can vary in frequency and severity. Currently, no effective cure is known. Nowadays, the biopharmaceutical research community widely recognizes arthropod venoms as a rich source of bioactive compounds, providing a plethora of possibilities for the discovery of new neuroactive compounds, opening up novel and attractive opportunities in this field. Several identified molecules with a neuropharmacological profile can act in the central nervous system on different neuronal targets, rendering them useful tools for the study of neurological disorders. In this context, this review aims to describe the current main compounds extracted from arthropod venoms for the treatment of five major existing neurological disorders: stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and pathological anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Monge-Fuentes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Flávia Maria Medeiros Gomes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Avohay Alves Campos
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Castro Silva
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Andréia Mayer Biolchi
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Lilian Carneiro Dos Anjos
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Coimbra Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Kamila Soares Lopes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, DF CEP 70.910-900, Brasília, Brazil
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Fachim HA, Mortari MR, Gobbo-Netto L, Dos Santos WF. Neuroprotective activity of parawixin 10, a compound isolated from Parawixia bistriata spider venom (Araneidae: Araneae) in rats undergoing intrahippocampal NMDA microinjection. Pharmacogn Mag 2015; 11:579-85. [PMID: 26246735 PMCID: PMC4522846 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.160450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Parawixia bistriata is a semi-colonial spider found mainly in southeastern of Brazil. Parawixin 10 (Pwx 10) a compound isolated from this spider venom has been demonstrated to act as neuroprotective in models of injury regulating the glutamatergic neurotransmission through glutamate transporters. Objectives: The aim of this work was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of Pwx 10 in a rat model of excitotoxic brain injury by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) injection. Material and Methods: Male Wistar rats have been used, submitted to stereotaxic surgery for saline or NMDA microinjection into dorsal hippocampus. Two groups of animals were treated with Pwx 10. These treated groups received a daily injection of the Pwx 10 (2.5 mg/μL) in the right lateral ventricle into rats pretreated with NMDA, always at the same time, each one starting the treatment 1 h or 24 h. Nissl staining was performed for evaluating the extension and efficacy of the NMDA injury and the neuroprotective effect of Pwx 10. Results: The treatment with Pwx 10 showed neuroprotective effect, being most pronounced when the compound was administrated from 1 h after NMDA in all hippocampal subfields analyzed (CA1, CA3 and hilus). Conclusion: These results indicated that Pwx 10 may be a good template to develop therapeutic drugs for treating neurodegenerative diseases, reinforcing the importance of continuing studies on its effects in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Aparecida Fachim
- Department of Biology, Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, FFCLRP, Brazil ; Institute of Neuroscience and Behavior, INeC-Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcia Renata Mortari
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, 70910-900 Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Gobbo-Netto
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Laboratory, FCFRP, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wagner Ferreira Dos Santos
- Department of Biology, Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, FFCLRP, Brazil ; Institute of Neuroscience and Behavior, INeC-Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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8
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The effects of the Brazilian antDinoponera quadriceps venom on chemically induced seizure models. Neurochem Int 2013; 63:141-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Mortari MR, Cunha AOS, Ferreira LB, dos Santos WF. Neurotoxins from invertebrates as anticonvulsants: From basic research to therapeutic application. Pharmacol Ther 2007; 114:171-83. [PMID: 17399793 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2007.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2007] [Revised: 01/19/2007] [Accepted: 01/19/2007] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Invertebrate venoms have attracted considerable interest as a potential source of bioactive substances, especially neurotoxins. These molecules have proved to be extremely useful tools for the understanding of synaptic transmission events, and they have contributed to the design of novel drugs for the treatment of neurological disorders and pain. In this context, as epilepsy involves neuronal substrates, which are sites of action of many neurotoxins; venoms may be particularly useful for antiepileptic drug (AED) research. Epilepsy is a chronic disease whose treatment consists of controlling seizures with antiepileptics that very often induce strong undesirable side effects that may limit treatment. Here, we review the vast, but yet unexplored, world of neurotoxins from invertebrates used as probes in pharmacological screening for novel and less toxic antiepileptics. We briefly review (1) the molecular basis of epilepsy, as well as the sites of action of commonly used anticonvulsants (we bring a comprehensive review of the elements from invertebrate venoms which are mostly studied in neuroscience research and may be useful for drug development); (2) peptides from conus snails; (3) peptides and polyamine toxins from spiders and wasps; and (4) peptides from scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Renata Mortari
- Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, Department of Biology, School of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature, University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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10
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de Oliveira L, Cunha AOS, Mortari MR, Coimbra NC, Dos Santos WF. Cataleptic activity of the denatured venom of the social wasp Agelaia vicina (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) in Rattus norvegicus (Rodentia, Muridae). Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2006; 30:198-203. [PMID: 16310919 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2005.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Catalepsy is a state of immobility, commonly experienced by patients with chronic use of many antiparkisonism and neuroleptic drugs. Recently, catatonia has been considered as an evolutionary-based fear response. The cataleptogenic effects of the low molecular weight compounds from the venom of the social wasp A. vicina (AdAv) were reported in rodents. Intracerebroventricular injections of AdAv in highest dose reduced the locomotor activity of Wistar rats in the open field and induced ataxia and catalepsy within 10 min. This effect could be observed up to 30 min after injections. Lower doses of denatured venom injected in brain ventricles also reduced the locomotor activity of the rats but did not induce catalepsy. The cataleptic effects of the intracerebrally administered AdAv were antagonized by the peripheral (intraperitoneal) pretreatment with theophylline and ketamine. Moreover, the central effects of the AdAv were compared to those elicited by the neuroleptic drug haloperidol (intraperitoneally administered), whose cataleptic effects were also antagonized by theophylline and ketamine. However, the association of haloperidol and denatured venom was reverted by theophylline but not by ketamine. These findings suggest that A. vicina venom may affect neural substrates involved with catalepsy in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana de Oliveira
- Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, Biology Department of the Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil
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Santos WFD, Coutinho-Netto J. Effects of theparatemnus elongatus pseudoscorpion venom in the uptake and binding of theL-glutamate and GABA from rat cerebral cortex. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2006; 20:27-34. [PMID: 16498638 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.20113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
L-Glu is the most important and widespread excitatory neurotransmitter of the vertebrates. Four types of receptors for L-glu have been described. This neurotransmitter modulates several neuronal processes, and its dysfunction causes chronic and acute diseases. L-Glu action is terminated by five distinct transporters. Antagonists for these receptors and modulators of these transporters have anticonvulsant and neuroprotective potentials, as observed with the acylpoliamines and peptides isolated from spiders, solitary and social wasp venoms. On the other hand, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in mammalian nervous tissue is the GABA. Drugs that enhance GABA neurotransmission comprise effective approaches to protecting the brain against neuronal injury. Is this study, we demonstrate for the first time the inhibition of the [3H]L-glu binding to its specific sites in synaptosomal membranes from rat cerebral cortex, produced by 0.027 U of Paratemnus elongatus venom (EC50). The venom of P. elongatus changes Km and Vmax into the high affinity uptake of the L-glu and decreases Km and Vmax into the parameters of the GABA uptake from rat synaptosomes. This leads us to speculate on the possible presence of selective and specific compounds in this venom that act in L-glu and GABA dynamics, and therefore, that can serve as tools and new drug models for understanding these neurotransmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wagner Ferreira dos Santos
- Department of Biology, Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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12
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Mortari MR, Cunha AOS, de Oliveira L, Vieira EB, Gelfuso EA, Coutinho-Netto J, Ferreira dos Santos W. Anticonvulsant and Behavioural Effects of the Denatured Venom of the Social Wasp Polybia occidentalis (Polistinae, Vespidae). Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2005; 97:289-95. [PMID: 16236140 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2005.pto_137.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Several investigations demonstrate that neurotoxins isolated from venoms of spiders and wasps may exert specific and selective activity on structures of the mammalian CNS. In the present work we examine the neurological effects of the low molecular weight compounds of the denatured venom of the neotropical social wasp Polybia occidentalis in freely moving rats. Central administration of denatured venom decreased the duration of exploratory, elevation and grooming behaviours on the open field. Moreover, denatured venom inhibited convulsing action of bicuculline (ED50 57 microg/microl), picrotoxin (ED50 75 microg/microl) and kainic acid (ED50 44 microg/microl), although it was ineffective against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. Despite of its inhibitory activity, toxic effects on motor performance examined in the rotarod test were not found, not even in extremely high doses. Also, denatured venom moderately reduced the spontaneous locomotor activity at anticonvulsant doses. These findings may indicate that the denatured venom has anticonvulsant activity with scarce propensity to cause neurological side-effects. Further studies are necessary to isolate the active compound and establish its mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Renata Mortari
- Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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13
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Cunha AOS, Mortari MR, Oliveira L, Carolino ROG, Coutinho-Netto J, dos Santos WF. Anticonvulsant effects of the wasp Polybia ignobilis venom on chemically induced seizures and action on GABA and glutamate receptors. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2005; 141:50-7. [PMID: 15953769 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2005.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2005] [Revised: 05/03/2005] [Accepted: 05/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Venoms of spiders and wasps are well recognized to present high affinity to the central nervous tissue of many mammalian species. Here we describe the effects of direct exposure of rat (Rattus norvegicus) brains to the crude and denatured venom of the Brazilian social wasp Polybia ignobilis. Lower doses of crude venom injected via intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) inhibited the exploratory activity of animals, while higher doses provoked severe generalized tonic-clonic seizures, with hind limb extension. The status epilepticus lasted for few minutes leading the animals to respiratory depression and death. In contrast, the denatured venom was anticonvulsant against acute seizures induced by the i.c.v. injection of bicuculline, picrotoxin and kainic acid, but it was ineffective against seizures caused by systemic pentylenetetrazole. Moreover, the [3H]-glutamate binding in membranes from rat brain cortex was inhibited by the denatured venom in lower concentrations than the [3H]-GABA binding. The denatured venom contains free GABA and glutamate (34 and 802 pg/microg of venom, respectively), but they are not the major binding inhibitors. These interactions of venom components with GABA and glutamate receptors could be responsible for the anticonvulsant effects introducing the venom from P. ignobilis as a potential pharmacological source of anticonvulsant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Olimpio Siqueira Cunha
- Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, FFCLRP/USP-Biology, Department of the Faculty of Phylosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 14040-090 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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14
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de Oliveira L, Cunha AOS, Mortari MR, Pizzo AB, Miranda A, Coimbra NC, dos Santos WF. Effects of microinjections of neurotoxin AvTx8, isolated from the social wasp Agelaia vicina (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) venom, on GABAergic nigrotectal pathways. Brain Res 2005; 1031:74-81. [PMID: 15621014 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Several investigations have provided information that defensive behaviors evoked by stimulation of deep layers of the superior colliculus (dlSC) are subjected to inhibitory nigral modulation. This inhibition is made mainly through GABAergic neurons from substantia nigra, pars reticulata (SNpr), that sends outputs toward neural networks of the deep layers of the superior colliculus and dorsal periaqueductal gray matter involved with the organization of fear-like responses. In this work, we compared the effects of two GABAergic agonists, muscimol and baclofen, with the effect of neurotoxin AvTx8 (1567 Da), isolated from the venom of the social wasp Agelaia vicina, microinjected into SNpr of Rattus norvegicus (Wistar rats) prior to dlSC saline or bicuculline microinjections, considering that wasp venom has some influence on the uptake of GABA and/or glutamate neurotransmitters. GABA(A) receptor blockade in the dlSC evoked a vigorous escape behavior, expressed by rapid running, jumps and turns, as compared to control. These defensive reactions were maximized after the intranigral GABA(A) agonism with muscimol, but not after in situ GABA(B) agonism. Nigral microinjection of AvTx8 induced similar effects to those of baclofen, decreasing the intensity of behavioral defensive reactions caused by GABA(A) receptor blockade in the dorsal mesencephalon. These findings suggest that AvTx8 has some effects on GABAergic neurotransmission, increasing the activity of the inhibitory nigro-collicular pathways, causing an anti-panic (antiaversive) effect. Therefore, our work suggests AvTx8 as a novel pharmacological tool to study differences between the two types of GABAergic receptors and excitatory amino acid-mediated mechanisms in the brain and brainstem networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana de Oliveira
- Psychobiology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Psychology and Education, FFCLRP-USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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de O Beleboni R, Pizzo AB, Fontana ACK, de O G Carolino R, Coutinho-Netto J, Dos Santos WF. Spider and wasp neurotoxins: pharmacological and biochemical aspects. Eur J Pharmacol 2004; 493:1-17. [PMID: 15189759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2004.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2004] [Accepted: 03/25/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Venoms from several arthropods are recognized as useful sources of bioactive substances, such as peptides, acylpolyamines, and alkaloids, which show a wide range of pharmacological effects on synaptic transmission. In this work, we summarize and compile several biochemical and pharmacological aspects related to spider and wasp neurotoxins. Their inhibitory and stimulatory actions on ion channels, receptors, and transporters involved in mammalian and insect neurotransmission are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renê de O Beleboni
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Pizzo AB, Beleboni RO, Fontana ACK, Ribeiro AM, Miranda A, Coutinho-Netto J, dos Santos WF. Characterization of the actions of AvTx 7 isolated fromAgelaia vicina (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) wasp venom on synaptosomal glutamate uptake and release. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2004; 18:61-8. [PMID: 15122647 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.20014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
It has previously been shown that the denatured crude extract of Agelaia vicina wasp venom inhibits glutamate and GABA uptake in rat cerebral cortex synaptosomes. To identify the components responsible for these effects, the neurotoxin AvTx 7 (molecular weight of 1210 Da) was isolated from A. vicina venom and its effects on glutamate neurotransmission investigated. AvTx 7 inhibits glutamate uptake in a dose-dependent and uncompetitive manner. AvTx 7 was found to stimulate the glutamate release in the presence of calcium and sodium channel blockers, suggesting that its action is not mediated through these channels. AvTx 7 potentiates glutamate release in the presence of K(+) channel blockers tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine, indicating that the toxin may act through these drugs-sensible K(+) channels. We suggest that AvTx 7 can be a valuable tool to enhance our understanding of K(+) channels' involvement in the release of glutamate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea B Pizzo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Venoms, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Fontana ACK, Guizzo R, de Oliveira Beleboni R, Meirelles E Silva AR, Coimbra NC, Amara SG, dos Santos WF, Coutinho-Netto J. Purification of a neuroprotective component of Parawixia bistriata spider venom that enhances glutamate uptake. Br J Pharmacol 2003; 139:1297-309. [PMID: 12890709 PMCID: PMC1573954 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) In this study, we examined the effects of crude venom from the spider Parawixia bistriata on glutamate and GABA uptake into synaptosomes prepared from rat cerebral cortex. Addition of venom to cortical synaptosomes stimulated glutamate uptake and inhibited GABA uptake in a concentration-dependent manner. (2) The venom was fractionated using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography on a preparative column. The fraction that retained glutamate uptake-stimulating activity was further purified on a reverse-phase analytical column followed by ion-exchange chromatography. (3) The active fraction, referred to as PbTx1.2.3, stimulated glutamate uptake in synaptosomes without changing the K(M) value, and did not affect GABA uptake. Additional experiments showed that the enhancement of glutamate uptake by PbTx1.2.3 occurs when ionotropic glutamate receptors or voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels are completely inhibited or when GABA receptors and potassium channels are activated, indicating that the compound may have a direct action on the transporters. (4) In an experimental model for glaucoma in which rat retinas are subjected to ischemia followed by reperfusion, PbTx1.2.3 protected neurons from excitotoxic death in both outer and inner nuclear layers, and ganglion cell layers. (5) This active spider venom component may serve as a basis for designing therapeutic drugs that increase glutamate clearance and limit neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréia Cristina Karklin Fontana
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
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