Characterization of ion channels on subesophageal ganglion neurons from Chinese tarantula Ornithoctonus huwena: Exploring the myth of the spider insensitive to its venom

Haplopelma hainanum venom induces inflammatory skin lesions

The Haplopelma hainanum is a species of theraphosid spider from China. Its large size and charming appearance make this species a popular pet. According to a previous study, theraphosid spider bites can induce pain, erythema, and edema in humans and can present more severely in domestic animals. The pathological consequences of envenomation by H. hainanum remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of H. hainanum envenomation in mice. We showed that the venom induced slight swelling, intense inflammatory response, and increased the microvascular density in mice skin. Moreover, we found that 50 µg/ml of the spider’s venom induced IL-1β expression in both HaCaT cells and fibroblast cells, but repressed CXCL10 expression in fibroblasts. The venom significantly induced cell senescence and repressed cell proliferation and migration in both HaCaT cells and fibroblast cells. Finally, we examined the expression of Nav channel in HaCaT and fibroblast cells and found that H. hainanum venom effectively inhibited Na⁺ currents in HaCaT cells. Our study calls for further investigation of the pathological consequences and potential mechanisms of H. hainanum envenomation. This information might assist in the development of suitable therapy.

Comparison of Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance: Learning from Various Kingdoms

Drug resistance, especially antibiotic resistance, is a growing threat to human health. To overcome this problem, it is significant to know precisely the mechanisms of drug resistance and/or self-resistance in various kingdoms, from bacteria through plants to animals, once more. This review compares the molecular mechanisms of the resistance against phycotoxins, toxins from marine and terrestrial animals, plants and fungi, and antibiotics. The results reveal that each kingdom possesses the characteristic features. The main mechanisms in each kingdom are transporters/efflux pumps in phycotoxins, mutation and modification of targets and sequestration in marine and terrestrial animal toxins, ABC transporters and sequestration in plant toxins, transporters in fungal toxins, and various or mixed mechanisms in antibiotics. Antibiotic producers in particular make tremendous efforts for avoiding suicide, and are more flexible and adaptable to the changes of environments. With these features in mind, potential alternative strategies to overcome these resistance problems are discussed. This paper will provide clues for solving the issues of drug resistance.