Distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus scorpion venoms on cardiovascular and renal functions

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  Distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus scorpion venoms on cardiovascular and renal functions Abstract Background:    Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus are widely distributed in Southeast Asia, yet their pathophysiological effects of both venoms remain poorly characterized due to low human fatality rates. This study compared their venom compositions and acute cardiovascular and renal effects. Methods:   Anesthetized male New Zealand White rabbits were monitored for blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and renal clearance following intravenous administration of crude venom (0.5 mg/kg). Venom components were identified via LC-MS/MS, and hematological/biochemical parameters were assessed. Results:    H. laoticus venom induced a rapid, transient hypotension ( p < 0.05), followed by a mild, prolonged hypotensive phase (up to 120 min). Conversely, L. mucronatus venom elicited a biphasic response: ...

Primary cell culture from embryos of the common house spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum

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Primary cell culture from embryos of the common house spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum

Background

Spiders have emerged as valuable models in evolutionary developmental biology, but primary cell cultures from spider embryonic tissues have not been fully explored. In this study, we describe the first successful long-term cultivation of embryonic cells from the common house spider, Parasteatoda tepidariorum. We initiated five independent primary cultures using mechanical and enzymatic dissociation methods, comparing two culture media, Leibovitz’s L-15 and Grace’s Insect Medium, under varying pH conditions.

Results

Cultures exhibited diverse cell morphologies, including round cells in suspension and elongated, neuron-like cells. The most successful culture, initiated with Grace’s medium at pH 7, was passaged four times and maintained for over six months. We also tested collagen type I-coated wells to improve cell adhesion. Our results indicate that P. tepidariorum embryonic cells proliferate better at pH 7, and Grace’s medium supports long-term growth, while L-15 promotes more cell differentiation.

Conclusions

This culture system provides a valuable platform for functional genomics studies, with potential applications in evolutionary and developmental biology research.


Afrah Hassan, Giulia Zancolli. Primary cell culture from embryos of the common house spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum, 24 October 2024, PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square [https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5312272/v1]