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...

Contributions to the knowledge of Mauritian araneofauna: new records (Araneae: Araneomorphae) and description of a remarkable new species of intertidal trapdoor spider (Araneae: Barychelidae)

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Contributions to the knowledge of Mauritian araneofauna: new records (Araneae: Araneomorphae) and description of a remarkable new species of intertidal trapdoor spider (Araneae: Barychelidae)

Abstract

We provide faunistic records of spiders from Mauritius, including 14 species new to the archipelago, representing a 27.45% increase in known spider diversity. We describe a new flagship endemic species of intertidal trapdoor spider: Idioctis marevallum sp. nov.; in addition, we provide observations and photographs of its burrow structure and general habitat.

Acknowledgment: I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Danni Sherwood for providing the complete manuscript.

Sherwood, Danniella. (2026). Contributions to the knowledge of Mauritian araneofauna: new records (Araneae: Araneomorphae) and description of a remarkable new species of intertidal trapdoor spider (Araneae: Barychelidae). Arachnology. 20. 608-622.