AaTs-1, a Tetrapeptide from Scorpion Venom Mitigates Demyelination and Neuroinflammation in a Cuprizone-Induced Model of Multiple Sclerosis

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  AaTs-1, a Tetrapeptide from Scorpion Venom Mitigates Demyelination and Neuroinflammation in a Cuprizone-Induced Model of Multiple Sclerosis Abstract Purpose This study focuses on the evaluation of the therapeutic potential of Tetrascorpin-1 (AaTs-1), a tetrapeptide isolated from Androctonus australis hector venom, proposed as a putative formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2) antagonist, in a cuprizone-induced murine model of Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Methods Acute demyelination was induced in mice by administering cuprizone (0.2% w/w in the diet) for six weeks. During the sixth week of cuprizone intake, demyelinated mice received intranasal administration of AaTs-1 at a dose of 50–100 µg/kg for five consecutive days, with 24-hour intervals between treatments. Results Behavioral assessments, immunological assays, and histological analyses revealed that AaTs-1 improved body weight, reduced behavioral impairments...

Two new species of the mygalomorph spider genus Kwonkan (Mygalomorphae: Anamidae) from the Kimberley region of Western Australia

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Two new species of the mygalomorph spider genus Kwonkan (Mygalomorphae: Anamidae) from the Kimberley region of Western Australia

Abstract

The trapdoor spider genus Kwonkan Main, 1983 (Anamidae) currently contains twelve species. Members of the genus are unusual among the Anamidae in modifying their burrow entrances with turrets and collars. The genus is widespread throughout the Australian arid zone and many species remain to be described, particularly in Western Australia. Here, we describe Kwonkan fluctellus sp. nov. and Kwonkan nemoralis sp. nov. from the Northern Kimberley bioregion. All specimens of the latter species were collected on a Bush Blitz expedition in 2022. These represent the first species of the genus to be described from northern Australia.

Wilson JD, Rix MR & Harvey MS (2025). Two new species of the mygalomorph spider genus Kwonkan (Mygalomorphae: Anamidae) from the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Australian Journal of Taxonomy 88: 1–7. doi: https://doi.org/10.54102/ajt.voay9