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: ...

Three new species of Melychiopharis (Araneae, Araneidae) from Ecuador and Peru

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Three new species of Melychiopharis (Araneae, Araneidae) from Ecuador and Peru

Abstract

Three new species of the peculiar Neotropical endemic genus Melychiopharis Simon, 1895, previously known from two species from Brazil, are herein described: from Ecuador, M. komischetier Dupérré & Tapia sp. nov. (♂♀) and M. davincii Dupérré & Tapia sp. nov. (♂); from Peru, M. peruviana Eskov & Marusik sp. nov. (♂♀). Scanning electron microscope images of the spinnerets and male palp are presented for the first time and a distribution map of all Melychiopharis species occurring in South America is presented.

Dupérré, N., Tapia, E., Marusik, Y. M. & Eskov, K. Y. (2024b). Three new species of Melychiopharis (Araneae, Araneidae) from Ecuador and Peru. Zootaxa 5555(1): 75-90. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.5555.1.5