The underlying mechanism of scorpion venom peptide BmK AS in reducing epilepsy seizures: mediated through dual modulation of Nav1.6 and the inflammasome pathway

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  The underlying mechanism of scorpion venom peptide BmK AS in reducing epilepsy seizures: mediated through dual modulation of Nav1.6 and the inflammasome pathway Abstract Introduction:  Voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) dysregulation, particularly of the Nav1.6 subtype, is a core mechanism underlying epileptogenesis and its associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities. The scorpion venom peptide BmK AS has demonstrated anticonvulsant potential, but its efficacy in chronic epilepsy and the precise mechanisms of action remain undefined. Methods:  Here, we show that BmK AS exerts robust anti-epileptic and neuroprotective effects through converging mechanisms. In a kainic acid-induced mouse model, BmK AS treatment reduced mortality and seizure parameters. Electrophysiological studies assessed BmK AS modulation of VGSC subtypes. The functional relevance of Nav1.6 targeting was confirmed by the loss of BmK AS’s anti-seizure efficacy upon its pharmacological blockade in a PTZ-in...

A New Species of Wishbone Spider Genus Damarchus from Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand (Mygalomorphae: Bemmeridae)

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A New Species of Wishbone Spider Genus Damarchus from Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand (Mygalomorphae: Bemmeridae)

Abstract

The wishbone spider genus Damarchus, belonging to the family Bemmeridae, encompasses four recognized genera: Atmeto-chilus, Damarchus, Homostola, and Spiroctenus. Current distribution records indicate that Atmetochilus and Damarchus are exclusively found in Asia. To date, ten species of Damarchus have been documented, with three species reported in Thailand. However, our field surveys conducted since 2015 have identified multiple undescribed species within the genus that remain unclassified. Through detailed morphological analyses, we describe a new species, Damarchus sirindhornae Kunsete & Warrit, sp. nov., discovered in Doi Inthanon National Park. This species is classified within the workmani-group but can be distinguished from other members of the group by the absence of spines on the male coupling spur and the absence of secondary receptacles on the female spermathecae.

Kunsete, C., Sivayyapram, V., Thanoosing, C., Traiyasut, P., & Warrit, N. (2025). A New Species of Wishbone Spider Genus Damarchus from Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand (Mygalomorphae: Bemmeridae). Tropical Natural History, 25(8), 390–398. retrieved from https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tnh/article/view/266793