Snake Venom and Antivenom Pharmacology

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  SNAKE VENOM & ANTIVENOM Chemistry, Composition, Mechanisms and Pharmacology Abstract This integrated teaching session for Phase III MBBS students focused on the pharmacology and toxicology of snake venom and the principles of antivenom therapy. The lecture covered the chemistry, composition, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological effects of snake venoms and antivenoms. Rational use of antivenoms, indications, administration protocols, adverse reactions, and supportive management strategies were discussed. The session also highlighted the translational importance of venom-derived compounds in modern drug development. Recent advances in antivenom research, including recombinant human monoclonal antibodies, toxin-specific inhibitors, synthetic antibody technologies, and next-generation broad-spectrum antivenoms, were reviewed. Current discoveries and emerging approaches aimed at improving efficacy, safety, affordability, and accessibility of antivenom therapy were also explor...

A new genus in the mygalomorph spider family Ischnothelidae, Tepuithele n. gen., from Ecuador

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A new genus in the mygalomorph spider family Ischnothelidae, Tepuithele n. gen., from Ecuador

Abstract

A new genus from the mygalomorph family Ischnothelidae is described from Ecuador. Tepuithele n. gen. was collected in the Tepui formation found in the Zamora Chinchipe province, Ecuador. The new species, Tepuithele nangaritza n. sp. (♂♀), possesses a unique combination of morphological characters not found in any other members of the family: male chelicerae with large forward prongs, leg I without tibial apophysis, and metatarsus I without keel. Images of both male and female are presented, in addition to a distribution map.

Dupérré, N. & Tapia, E. (2025b). A new genus in the mygalomorph spider family Ischnothelidae, Tepuithele n. gen., from Ecuador. Arachnology 20(2): 238-244.