Thrombocytopenia induced by viperid snake venoms in a murine model and its neutralization by a polyvalent antivenom

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  Thrombocytopenia induced by viperid snake venoms in a murine model and its neutralization by a polyvalent antivenom Abstract Thrombocytopenia is a common manifestation in viperid snakebite envenomings, contributing to systemic bleeding and hemodynamic alterations. Despite its relevance, this effect is not evaluated when assessing the neutralizing ability of antivenoms. In this study we present an in vivo method in mice for the quantification of thrombocytopenic effect. Representative venoms of Costa Rican viperid snake genera ( Atropoides , Bothrops , Bothriechis , Cerrophidion , Crotalus , Lachesis , Metlapilcoatlus , and Porthidium ) were administered by the intramuscular route in mice and platelet counts were carried out 3 h after envenoming. Only the venoms of Bothrops asper and Bothriechis lateralis induced a significant drop in platelet numbers as compared to controls receiving saline solution. The polyvalent antivenom used in Central America was effective in the neutral...

Pikelinia schiapelliae, una nueva especie de araña de arenales de Argentina y Uruguay (Araneae: Filistatidae)

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Pikelinia schiapelliae, una nueva especie de araña de arenales de Argentina y Uruguay (Araneae: Filistatidae)

Abstract

Pikelinia schiapelliae, a new spider species from sandy habitats in Argentina and Uruguay (Araneae: Filistatidae). The genus Pikelinia is the main representative of the spider family Filistatidae in South America, with 19 named species. However, much of its diversity remains to be discovered. In this manuscript, we describe Pikelinia schiapelliae Magalhaes sp. nov. based on specimens collected in areas with Chacoan vegetation and sandy soils in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Entre Ríos (Argentina) and Río Negro (Uruguay). The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the morphology of the sexual structures and by the DNA sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Through systematized sampling on Martín García Island, we observed that Pikelinia schiapelliae: (1) is more abundant in the months following the summer solstice; and (2) is more frequently found in areas of sandy soil. A phylogenetic analysis based on four molecular markers indicates that P. schiapelliae is a close relative of other species that also inhabit sandy soils, such as Pikelinia arenicola, suggesting the existence of a Pikelinia clade specialized in living in such habitats. Pikelinia arenicola, previously known only for Brazil, is recorded for the first time for Argentina and Uruguay.

Magalhaes, Ivan & Hagopián, Damián & Laborda, Álvaro & González, Alda & Scioscia, Cristina. (2024). Pikelinia schiapelliae, una nueva especie de araña de arenales de Argentina y Uruguay (Araneae: Filistatidae). 26. 155-169. 10.22179/REVMACN.26.858.