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: ...

Taxonomic notes of the cobweb spider genus Platnickina Koçak & Kemal, 2008 (Araneae, Theridiidae, Theridiinae), with descriptions of two new species from southern China

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Taxonomic notes of the cobweb spider genus Platnickina Koçak & Kemal, 2008 (Araneae, Theridiidae, Theridiinae), with descriptions of two new species from southern China

Abstract

Based on specimens collected from southern China, two new species of Platnickina Koçak & Kemal, 2008 are described: P. submaculata Hu & Liu, sp. nov. (male, female) and P. yoshidai Hu & Liu, sp. nov. (male). Two new combinations, transferred from Theridion Walckenaer, 1805, are proposed: P. obscuratum (Zhu, 1998), comb. nov. and P. xianfengense (Zhu & Song, 1992), comb. nov. Three new species groups within Platnickina are established based on morphological characteristics: antoni group, maculata group, and sterninotata group. In addition, we discuss the relationships between Platnickina and the genera Chrosiothes Simon, 1894, Coleosoma O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1882, Simitidion Wunderlich, 1992, and Theridion.

Huang G, Liu J, Hu C (2025) Taxonomic notes of the cobweb spider genus Platnickina Koçak & Kemal, 2008 (Araneae, Theridiidae, Theridiinae), with descriptions of two new species from southern China. ZooKeys 1250: 135-154. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1250.158643