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...

The genus Harpactea Bristowe, 1939 (Araneae, Dysderidae) from the Jijel region (Algeria), with the description of a new species

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The genus Harpactea Bristowe, 1939 (Araneae, Dysderidae) from the Jijel region (Algeria), with the description of a new species

Abstract

Harpactea jijelensis sp. nov. (♂♀) is described from Jijel, north-east Algeria. The new species is assigned to the corticalis species group and the auriga subgroup, based on the distinctive characteristics of the male. A detailed description, along with diagnostic characters, and illustrations of the genitalia for both sexes are provided. Additionally, information on the species’ abundance, and distribution across various habitats in the region is presented. New distribution records for Harpactea acuta Beladjal & Bosmans 1997 and Harpactea innupta Beladjal & Bosmans 1997 are presented.

Kahlessenane, S., Bouseksou, S., Kherbouche-Abrous, O., Moulaï, R., Bosmans, R. & Beladjal, L. (2025) The genus Harpactea Bristowe, 1939 (Araneae, Dysderidae) from the Jijel region (Algeria), with the description of a new species. Zootaxa, 5719 (3), 440–450. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.3.10