Distributional Notes on Three Wolf Spider Species (Araneae: Lycosidae) Recorded for the First Time in Diyala Province, Iraq

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  Distributional Notes on Three Wolf Spider Species (Araneae: Lycosidae) Recorded for the First Time in Diyala Province, Iraq Abstract This study presents new distributional data for three wolf spider species (Araneae: Lycosidae) from Diyala Province in eastern Iraq. Specimens were gathered from different districts and habitats between July 2025 and June 2026. The species Arctosa tbilisiensis Mcheidze, 1946, Lycosa piochardi Simon, 1876, and Wadicosa fidelis (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) are recorded for the first time in Diyala, extending their known ranges within Iraq. The paper describes key diagnostic morphological features and includes information about the examined specimens and their local distributions. These findings improve knowledge of the distribution of Iraqi Lycosidae and reveal that Diyala Province, despite its habitat variety, remains insufficiently studied. The records serve as a valuable baseline for future taxonomic, faunistic, and ecological research on spiders i...

In vivo biodistribution of Loxosceles intermedia venom in animal models with different pathological outcomes

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In vivo biodistribution of Loxosceles intermedia venom in animal models with different pathological outcomes

Abstract

Spiders of the Loxosceles spp. genus have a wide geographic distribution and are among the main causes of arachnidism in Brazil. Despite advances in venom characterization, fundamental aspects such as its in vivo kinetics and biodistribution remain little understood. This study aimed to investigate the biodistribution of Loxosceles intermedia spider venom through radiolabeling with technetium-99 metastable (99ᵐTc). Radiolabeling efficiency was evaluated using paper chromatography and C18 column, and effectiveness was assessed by SDS-PAGE. Biological activity after radiolabeling was verified through an in vitro sphingomyelinase activity assay and by evaluating dermonecrotic and edematogenic effects in rabbits. The results showed that most venom proteins were efficiently radiolabeled and that the venom remained biologically active after radiolabeling, allowing its distribution to be tracked in mice and rabbits. In both models, the venom concentrated at the injection site and was predominantly biodistributed to the kidneys and bladder. These findings are relevant given the distinct pathophysiological profiles of the animal models used. This is the first study to evaluate, in real time and in live animals, the biodistribution of L. intermedia venom through radiolabeling, and it may provide valuable data for understanding its mechanisms of action and improved the diagnostic of loxoscelism.
Da Silva Moreira, R., Pires, L. O., Cardoso Cunha, L., Fiorini de Carvalho, I. A., Chávez-Olórtegui, C., Minozzo, J. C., Rocha, M. N., Cardoso, V. N., Antunes Fernandes, S. O., & Felicori, L. F. (2025). In vivo biodistribution of Loxosceles intermedia venom in animal models with different pathological outcomes. Toxicon, 108619. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108619