Evaluation of mesenchymal cells and dapsone for the treatment of dermonecrotic wounds caused by Loxosceles laeta venom in rabbits / Avaliação de células mesenquimais e dapsona para o tratamento de feridas dermonecróticas causadas pelo veneno de Loxosceles laeta em coelhos

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), alone or associated with dapsone (DAP), in treating dermonecrotic wounds caused by Loxosceles laeta venom. Twenty-five male rabbits were distributed into five groups. Negative control received ultrapure water (C-), whilst all other groups were injected with 20 μg of L. laeta venom. After 4 hours, each group received one of the following treatments: PBS (C+), DAP, MSC, and DAP+MSC. Animals were evaluated daily and photographic records made for analysis of wound area. Twelve days after, animals were euthanized and skin samples removed for histological analysis. We observed that DAP showed the best percentage of wound contraction at day 3. In the treatments using MSCs, a negative value of wound contraction was observed for the isolated MSCs, as well as a lower contraction value for the association of the MSC + DAP when compared to PBS, probably, by the increase in initial infammation after the application of stem cells, due to the fact that MSCs secrete a broad spectrum of bioactive molecules such as cytokines and growth factors that favor regeneration. Histologically, it was observed that animals of C+ showed extensive areas of necrosis, ulcers, neutrophilic infiltrate, and mineralization. Collagen deposition showed increase in MSC+DAP treatment, however vascularization remained unchanged. This is the first report using MSC and MSC+DAP as a treatment for cutaneous loxoscelism and more studies are needed to determine its use as an alternative therapy for dermonecrotic lesions caused by Loxosceles spider.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia das células-tronco mesenquimais (CTMs), isoladas ou associadas à dapsona (DAP), no tratamento de feridas dermonecróticas causadas pelo veneno de Loxosceles laeta. Vinte e cinco coelhos machos foram distribuídos em cinco grupos. O controle negativo recebeu água ultrapura (C-), enquanto todos os outros grupos foram injetados com 20 μg de veneno de L. laeta. Após 4 horas, cada grupo recebeu um dos seguintes tratamentos: PBS (C+), DAP, CTMs e DAP + CTMs. Os animais foram avaliados diariamente durante 12 dias, e feitos registros fotográficos para análise da ferida e no 12º dia, foram eutanasiados e, retiradas amostras de pele para análise histológica. Observou-se que a DAP apresentou o melhor percentual de contração da ferida no terceiro dia. Nos tratamentos com CTMs, observou-se uma contração negativa da ferida tanto para as CTMs isoladas, bem como a associação CTMs + DAP em relação ao PBS, possivelmente, pelo aumento da infamação inicial após a aplicação de células-tronco. Isso é devido ao fato de que as CTMs secretam um amplo espectro de moléculas bioativas como citocinas e fatores de crescimento que favorecem a regeneração. Histologicamente, observou-se que os animais de C+ apresentaram extensas áreas de necrose, úlceras, infiltrado neutrofílico, além de mineralização. Houve aumento de deposição de colágeno no tratamento CTMs + DAP, no entanto, a vascularização permaneceu inalterada. Este é o primeiro relato usando CTMs e CTMs + DAP como tratamento para loxoscelismo cutâneo e mais estudos são necessários para determinar seu uso como terapia alternativa para lesões demonecróticas causadas pela aranha Loxosceles.

Brown spider venom toxins: what are the functions of astacins, serine proteases, hyaluronidases, allergens, TCTP, serpins and knottins?

Accidents caused by the bites of brown spiders (Loxosceles) generate a clinical condition that often includes a threatening necrotic skin lesion near the bite site along with a remarkable inflammatory response. Systemic disorders such as hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure may occur, but are much less frequent than the local damage. It is already known that phospholipases D, highly expressed toxins in Loxosceles venom, can induce most of these injuries. However, this spider venom has a great range of toxins that probably act synergistically to enhance toxicity. The other protein classes remain poorly explored due to the difficulty in obtaining sufficient amounts of them for a thorough investigation. They include astacins (metalloproteases), serine proteases, knottins, translationally controlled tumor proteins (TCTP), hyaluronidases, allergens and serpins. It has already been shown that some of them, according to their characteristics, may participate to some extent in the development of loxoscelism. In addition, all of these toxins present potential application in several areas. The present review article summarizes information regarding some functional aspects of the protein classes listed above, discusses the directions that could be taken to materialize a comprehensive investigation on each of these toxins as well as highlights the importance of exploring the full venom repertoire.(AU)

Brown spider venom toxins: what are the functions of astacins, serine proteases, hyaluronidases, allergens, TCTP, serpins and knottins?

Accidents caused by the bites of brown spiders (Loxosceles) generate a clinical condition that often includes a threatening necrotic skin lesion near the bite site along with a remarkable inflammatory response. Systemic disorders such as hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure may occur, but are much less frequent than the local damage. It is already known that phospholipases D, highly expressed toxins in Loxosceles venom, can induce most of these injuries. However, this spider venom has a great range of toxins that probably act synergistically to enhance toxicity. The other protein classes remain poorly explored due to the difficulty in obtaining sufficient amounts of them for a thorough investigation. They include astacins (metalloproteases), serine proteases, knottins, translationally controlled tumor proteins (TCTP), hyaluronidases, allergens and serpins. It has already been shown that some of them, according to their characteristics, may participate to some extent in the development of loxoscelism. In addition, all of these toxins present potential application in several areas. The present review article summarizes information regarding some functional aspects of the protein classes listed above, discusses the directions that could be taken to materialize a comprehensive investigation on each of these toxins as well as highlights the importance of exploring the full venom repertoire.(AU)

Alien spiders: First record of Loxosceles gaucho Gertsch, 1967 (Araneae: Sicariidae) in the Amazon region, Brazil

We present the first record for Loxosceles gaucho Gertsch, 1967 in the Amazonian region of Brazil. Four males, fifteen females and forty-nine immatures were collected in different places in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. This is the third species of Loxosceles reported in the Amazon region along with L. amazonica Gertsch, 1967, and L. similis Moenkhaus, 1898. This is the first record of an invasive species of a venomous animal in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, which is noteworthy due to its synanthropic habit, which increases the risk to the local population.

Alien spiders: First record of Loxosceles gaucho Gertsch, 1967 (Araneae: Sicariidae) in the Amazon region, Brazil

We present the first record for Loxosceles gaucho Gertsch, 1967 in the Amazonian region of Brazil. Four males, fifteen females and forty-nine immatures were collected in different places in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. This is the third species of Loxosceles reported in the Amazon region along with L. amazonica Gertsch, 1967, and L. similis Moenkhaus, 1898. This is the first record of an invasive species of a venomous animal in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, which is noteworthy due to its synanthropic habit, which increases the risk to the local population.(AU)

Description of the male of Hymenoepimecis bicolor (Brullé, 1846) (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae)

Wasps of the Polysphincta genus-group (sensuWahl and Gauld, 1998 or Polysphinctini sensu Towens, 1969) presents more than 200 described species ( Matsumoto, 2016 ) exclusively koinobiont ectoparasitoids of several spider families ( Dubois et al., 2002 ; Gauld and Dubois, 2006 ; Matsumoto, 2016 ). Most of taxonomic descriptions of polysphinctine wasps were based on female individuals, principally due to the presence of the ovipositor (see Gauld, 1991 ; Gauld et al., 1998 , 2002 ). Meantime, some interactions of these hymenopteran with spiders were documented only with emerged males (e. g. Sobczak et al., 2011 , 2017 ; Sobczak, 2012 ), hindering the association between males and females within the group. Sobczak et al. (2017) emphasized the importance of detailed descriptions of male genitalia to support future reviews and phylogenetic studies. Within Polysphincta group, Hymenoepimecis Viereck, 1912 (Ichneumonidae) wasps occur in the Neotropical region, from Mexico to Southern of Brazil ( Gauld, 2000 ; Gauld and Dubois, 2006 ; Gonzaga and Sobczak, 2007 ; Loffredo and Penteado-Dias, 2009 ; Sobczak et al., 2009 ; Pádua et al., 2015 ). The species of this genus are characterized by the presence of a pocket-like structure on the pronotum; a mesopleuron with epicnemial carina vestigial or absent; the absence of the vein 3 rs-m in fore wing ( Gauld, 1991 ); yellowish brown color and large ocelli ( Gauld and Dubois, 2006 ). Currently, Hymenoepimecis is composed by 20 valid species ( Yu et al., 2012 ; Pádua et al., 2015 ), of which 12 are known as parasitoids of spiders (summarized in Pádua et al., 2016 ). Regarding these interactions, it is known that the larva of some wasp species can induce the host spider to construct a modified web (cocoon web), which is subsequently used as substrate for the wasp larvas cocoon ( Eberhard, 2000a , b , 2001 ; Sobczak et al., 2009 , 2014 ; Gonzaga et al., 2010 ;). The modified web is usually more stable and resistant than the normal web, increasing the wasp survival ( Eberhard, 2001 ). Gonzaga et al. (2010) described the interaction involving the spider Nephila clavipes (Linnaeus, 1767) (Araneidae) and the wasp Hymenoepimecis bicolor (Brullé, 1846), which follows the pattern of behavioral manipulation described above ( Gonzaga et al., 2010 ).(AU)

Lesão dermonecrótica em um gato atribuída a envenenamento por Loxosceles - relato de caso / Dermonecrotic lesion in a cat attributed to Loxosceles envenomation – case report

Os acidentes causados por aranhas do gênero Loxosceles têm importância na clínica de pequenos animais, mesmo não havendo dados epidemiológicos desses ataques em animais de estimação, dada a gravidade da lesão e possíveis complicações sistêmicas resultantes, tornando indispensável maior conhecimento sobre a espécie e as consequências do envenenamento. O presente trabalho relata a presença de uma lesão dermonecrótica em um felino atribuída a aranha-marrom (Loxosceles sp). O atendimento ocorreu na clínica Empório de Bicho em Caxias do Sul, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. O animal apresentava uma lesão necrótica em região perineal, com fibrina e secreção purulenta. O tratamento consistiu no uso clorexidina para limpeza, hidrogel, açúcar, Fitofix® e Dersani® como promotores de cicatrização. Após um mês de tratamento, o animal apresentava uma melhora satisfatória.

Accidents caused by spiders of the genus Loxosceles are important in the small animal clinic, even though there are no epidemiological data on these attacks in pets, given the severity of the lesion and possible systemic complications, it becomes necessary to know more about the species and the consequences of the poisoning. The present work reports the presence of a dermonecrotic lesion in a cat attributed to brown spider (Loxosceles sp). The patient had a necrotic lesion in the perineal region with fibrin and purulent secretion. The treatment consisted of using chlorhexidine for cleaning, hydrogel, sugar, Fitofix® and Dersani® as healing promoters. After one month of treatment, the animal showed a satisfactory improvement.

Lesão dermonecrótica em um gato atribuída a envenenamento por Loxosceles - relato de caso / Dermonecrotic lesion in a cat attributed to Loxosceles envenomation case report

Os acidentes causados por aranhas do gênero Loxosceles têm importância na clínica de pequenos animais, mesmo não havendo dados epidemiológicos desses ataques em animais de estimação, dada a gravidade da lesão e possíveis complicações sistêmicas resultantes, tornando indispensável maior conhecimento sobre a espécie e as consequências do envenenamento. O presente trabalho relata a presença de uma lesão dermonecrótica em um felino atribuída a aranha-marrom (Loxosceles sp). O atendimento ocorreu na clínica Empório de Bicho em Caxias do Sul, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. O animal apresentava uma lesão necrótica em região perineal, com fibrina e secreção purulenta. O tratamento consistiu no uso clorexidina para limpeza, hidrogel, açúcar, Fitofix® e Dersani® como promotores de cicatrização. Após um mês de tratamento, o animal apresentava uma melhora satisfatória.(AU)

Accidents caused by spiders of the genus Loxosceles are important in the small animal clinic, even though there are no epidemiological data on these attacks in pets, given the severity of the lesion and possible systemic complications, it becomes necessary to know more about the species and the consequences of the poisoning. The present work reports the presence of a dermonecrotic lesion in a cat attributed to brown spider (Loxosceles sp). The patient had a necrotic lesion in the perineal region with fibrin and purulent secretion. The treatment consisted of using chlorhexidine for cleaning, hydrogel, sugar, Fitofix® and Dersani® as healing promoters. After one month of treatment, the animal showed a satisfactory improvement.(AU)

Long time not seen: Expanding the records of Loxosceles amazonica (Araneae: Sicariidae) in the Amazonas state, Brazil / Muito tempo sem ver: Expansão dos registros de Loxosceles amazonica (Araneae: Sicariidae) para o estado do Amazonas, Brasil

Spiders of the genus Loxosceles, commonly known as brown recluse spiders, can cause serious accidents in humans. Their venom has a powerful proteolytic and hemolytic action. Each year these spiders are the cause of a great number of araneism in Brazil. This work presents new records of Loxosceles amazonica for the municipal districts of Manaus and Iranduba, Amazonas, Brazil.(AU)

As aranhas do gênero Loxosceles, conhecidas como aranhas marrons, podem causar sérios acidentes em humanos. O veneno destas aranhas possui potente ação proteolítica e hemolítica. A cada ano estas aranhas são responsáveis pelo maior número de araneísmos no Brasil. Este trabalho apresenta novos registros de Loxosceles amazonica para o estado do Amazonas, Brasil.(AU)

Long time not seen: Expanding the records of Loxosceles amazonica (Araneae: Sicariidae) in the Amazonas state, Brazil / Muito tempo sem ver: Expansão dos registros de Loxosceles amazonica (Araneae: Sicariidae) para o estado do Amazonas, Brasil

Spiders of the genus Loxosceles, commonly known as brown recluse spiders, can cause serious accidents in humans. Their venom has a powerful proteolytic and hemolytic action. Each year these spiders are the cause of a great number of araneism in Brazil. This work presents new records of Loxosceles amazonica for the municipal districts of Manaus and Iranduba, Amazonas, Brazil.

As aranhas do gênero Loxosceles, conhecidas como aranhas marrons, podem causar sérios acidentes em humanos. O veneno destas aranhas possui potente ação proteolítica e hemolítica. A cada ano estas aranhas são responsáveis pelo maior número de araneísmos no Brasil. Este trabalho apresenta novos registros de Loxosceles amazonica para o estado do Amazonas, Brasil.

Highlights in the knowledge of brown spider toxins

Abstract Brown spiders are venomous arthropods that use their venom for predation and defense. In humans, bites of these animals provoke injuries including dermonecrosis with gravitational spread of lesions, hematological abnormalities and impaired renal function. The signs and symptoms observed following a brown spider bite are called loxoscelism. Brown spider venom is a complex mixture of toxins enriched in low molecular mass proteins (440 kDa). Characterization of the venom confirmed the presence of three highly expressed protein classes: phospholipases D, metalloproteases (astacins) and insecticidal peptides (knottins). Recently, toxins with low levels of expression have also been found in Loxosceles venom, such as serine proteases, protease inhibitors (serpins), hyaluronidases, allergen-like toxins and histamine-releasing factors. The toxin belonging to the phospholipase-D family (also known as the dermonecrotic toxin) is the most studied class of brown spider toxins. This class of toxins single-handedly can induce inflammatory response, dermonecrosis, hemolysis, thrombocytopenia and renal failure. The functional role of the hyaluronidase toxin as a spreading factor in loxoscelism has also been demonstrated. However, the biological characterization of other toxins remains unclear and the mechanism by which Loxosceles toxins exert their noxious effects is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into brown spider venom toxins and toxicology, including a description of historical data already available in the literature. In this review article, the identification processes of novel Loxosceles toxins by molecular biology and proteomic approaches, their biological characterization and structural description based on x-ray crystallography and putative biotechnological uses are described along with the future perspectives in this field.

Highlights in the knowledge of brown spider toxins

Abstract Brown spiders are venomous arthropods that use their venom for predation and defense. In humans, bites of these animals provoke injuries including dermonecrosis with gravitational spread of lesions, hematological abnormalities and impaired renal function. The signs and symptoms observed following a brown spider bite are called loxoscelism. Brown spider venom is a complex mixture of toxins enriched in low molecular mass proteins (4-40 kDa). Characterization of the venom confirmed the presence of three highly expressed protein classes: phospholipases D, metalloproteases (astacins) and insecticidal peptides (knottins). Recently, toxins with low levels of expression have also been found in Loxosceles venom, such as serine proteases, protease inhibitors (serpins), hyaluronidases, allergen-like toxins and histamine-releasing factors. The toxin belonging to the phospholipase-D family (also known as the dermonecrotic toxin) is the most studied class of brown spider toxins. This class of toxins single-handedly can induce inflammatory response, dermonecrosis, hemolysis, thrombocytopenia and renal failure. The functional role of the hyaluronidase toxin as a spreading factor in loxoscelism has also been demonstrated. However, the biological characterization of other toxins remains unclear and the mechanism by which Loxosceles toxins exert their noxious effects is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into brown spider venom toxins and toxicology, including a description of historical data already available in the literature. In this review article, the identification processes of novel Loxosceles toxins by molecular biology and proteomic approaches, their biological characterization and structural description based on x-ray crystallography and putative biotechnological uses are described along with the future perspectives in this field.(AU)

Highlights in the knowledge of brown spider toxins

Brown spiders are venomous arthropods that use their venom for predation and defense. In humans, bites of these animals provoke injuries including dermonecrosis with gravitational spread of lesions, hematological abnormalities and impaired renal function. The signs and symptoms observed following a brown spider bite are called loxoscelism. Brown spider venom is a complex mixture of toxins enriched in low molecular mass proteins (4-40 kDa). Characterization of the venom confirmed the presence of three highly expressed protein classes: phospholipases D, metalloproteases (astacins) and insecticidal peptides (knottins). Recently, toxins with low levels of expression have also been found in Loxosceles venom, such as serine proteases, protease inhibitors (serpins), hyaluronidases, allergen-like toxins and histamine-releasing factors. The toxin belonging to the phospholipase-D family (also known as the dermonecrotic toxin) is the most studied class of brown spider toxins. This class of toxins single-handedly can induce inflammatory response, dermonecrosis, hemolysis, thrombocytopenia and renal failure. The functional role of the hyaluronidase toxin as a spreading factor in loxoscelism has also been demonstrated. However, the biological characterization of other toxins remains unclear and the mechanism by which Loxosceles toxins exert their noxious effects is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this review is to provide an insight into brown spider venom toxins and toxicology, including a description of historical data already available in the literature. In this review article, the identification processes of novel Loxosceles toxins by molecular biology and proteomic approaches, their biological characterization and structural description based on x-ray crystallography and putative biotechnological uses are described along with the future perspectives in this field.(AU)

First report of brown widow spider sightings in Peninsular Malaysia and notes on its global distribution

Background: The brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus Koch, 1841) has colonised many parts of the world from its continent of origin, Africa. By at least 1841, the species had successfully established populations in South America and has more recently expanded its range to the southern states of North America. This highly adaptable spider has been far more successful in finding its niche around the world than its famous cousins, the black widow, Latrodectus mactans, found in the south-eastern states of North America, and the red-back, Latrodectus hasselti, found mostly in Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Methods: We performed an extensive web search of brown widow sightings and mapped the location of each sighting using ArcGIS. Specimens reputedly of the species L. geometricus were collected at three localities in Peninsular Malaysia. The spiders were identified and documented based on an examination of morphological characteristics and DNA barcoding. Results: The spiders found in Peninsular Malaysia were confirmed to be Latrodectus geometricus based on their morphological characteristics and DNA barcodes. We recorded 354 sightings of the brown widow in 58 countries, including Peninsular Malaysia. Conclusion: Reports from the Americas and the Far East suggest a global-wide invasion of the brown widow spider. Herein we report the arrival of the brown widow spider in Peninsular Malaysia and provide notes on the identification of the species and its recently expanded range.(AU)

First report of brown widow spider sightings in Peninsular Malaysia and notes on its global distribution

Background: The brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus Koch, 1841) has colonised many parts of the world from its continent of origin, Africa. By at least 1841, the species had successfully established populations in South America and has more recently expanded its range to the southern states of North America. This highly adaptable spider has been far more successful in finding its niche around the world than its famous cousins, the black widow, Latrodectus mactans, found in the south-eastern states of North America, and the red-back, Latrodectus hasselti, found mostly in Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Methods: We performed an extensive web search of brown widow sightings and mapped the location of each sighting using ArcGIS. Specimens reputedly of the species L. geometricus were collected at three localities in Peninsular Malaysia. The spiders were identified and documented based on an examination of morphological characteristics and DNA barcoding. Results: The spiders found in Peninsular Malaysia were confirmed to be Latrodectus geometricus based on their morphological characteristics and DNA barcodes. We recorded 354 sightings of the brown widow in 58 countries, including Peninsular Malaysia. Conclusion: Reports from the Americas and the Far East suggest a global-wide invasion of the brown widow spider. Herein we report the arrival of the brown widow spider in Peninsular Malaysia and provide notes on the identification of the species and its recently expanded range.

First report of brown widow spider sightings in Peninsular Malaysia and notes on its global distribution

Background:The brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus Koch, 1841) has colonised many parts of the world from its continent of origin, Africa. By at least 1841, the species had successfully established populations in South America and has more recently expanded its range to the southern states of North America. This highly adaptable spider has been far more successful in finding its niche around the world than its famous cousins, the black widow, Latrodectus mactans, found in the south-eastern states of North America, and the red-back, Latrodectus hasselti, found mostly in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.Methods:We performed an extensive web search of brown widow sightings and mapped the location of each sighting using ArcGIS. Specimens reputedly of the species L. geometricus were collected at three localities in Peninsular Malaysia. The spiders were identified and documented based on an examination of morphological characteristics and DNA barcoding.Results:The spiders found in Peninsular Malaysia were confirmed to be Latrodectus geometricus based on their morphological characteristics and DNA barcodes. We recorded 354 sightings of the brown widow in 58 countries, including Peninsular Malaysia.Conclusion:Reports from the Americas and the Far East suggest a global-wide invasion of the brown widow spider. Herein we report the arrival of the brown widow spider in Peninsular Malaysia and provide notes on the identification of the species and its recently expanded range.(AU)

CLINICAL AND LABORATORIAL EFFECTS AND IMMUNOGENICITY OF Loxosceles spp. VENOM PROTEINS IN HORSES PARTAKING IN ANTIVENOM PRODUCTION

O envenenamento por aranhas detém importância mundial no âmbito da saúde pública e alcança números cada vez mais significativos a cada ano. Acidentes envolvendo Loxosceles spp. detêm destaque nessa estatística, especialmente no Brasil. A soroterapia permanece sendo o único tratamento efetivo contra esse agravo e o seu processo produtivo enfrenta diversos problemas, uma vez que o mesmo é diretamente dependente da imunização de animais (principalmente cavalos) para o posterior processamento do plasma, o que possui implicâncias éticas referentes à bem estar animal. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar os efeitos clínicos causados pelo veneno de Loxosceles spp. em equinos submetidos a imunização para produção de antiveneno, assim como o de coelhos submetidos a um procedimento de imunização semelhante. No experimento 1, 11 equinos hígidos, nunca antes imunizados, foram avaliados em três momentos experimentais distintos: T0 (antes da imunização); T1 (após o primeiro ciclo de imunização); e T2 (após a primeira sangria comercial). Os animais foram avaliados clinicamente, submeteram-se à coleta de sangue e ao exame eletrocardiográfico (ECG). Achados clínicos de destaque recaíram sobre a presença de abscessos subcutâneos supurados atribuídos ao emprego de adjuvantes de Freund e tromboflebites devido às venopunções sistemáticas. Equinos em T2 apresentaram as alterações hematimétricas mais relevantes, com redução do hematócrito (PCV), contagem de células vermelhas (RBC) e de hemoglobina. Funções hepática e renal permaneceram normais. A hiperproteinemia diagnosticada foi atribuída ao aumento do teor de globulinas, O ECG ilustrou arritmias em poucos equinos em T2, como bloqueio átrio-ventricular de segundo grau (BAV-2) e aumento em amplitude de ondas T e R. No experimento 2, sete equinos, os quais já haviam sido submetidos à seis ou mais ciclos completos de imunização para produção de antiveneno, foram avaliados e denominados grupo imunizado (GI). Onze equinos, sob o mesmo manejo, foram dispostos como grupo controle (GC). GI apresentou menor PCV e RBC, apesar de mantê-los dentro dos índices de referência para a espécie. A função renal não se apresentou comprometida, mas as enzimas hepáticas apresentaram-se elevadas em relação ao GC, provavelmente devido ao alto requerimento de produção de imunoglobulinas. O ECG ilustrou anormalidades de traçado no GI, corroboradas com o aumento na enzima creatina quinase em sua fração MB (CK-MB). No experimento 3, 11 coelhos machos Nova Zelândia foram utilizados. Cinco foram alocados no grupo controle (GC), recebendo adjuvante (montanide) e tampão salina-fosfato. Os seis coelhos restantes receberam 21g de veneno de Loxosceles spp. empregando como adjuvante o montanide (GV). Após cinco ciclos de imunização, um desafio foi realizado com 7g de veneno de L. intermedia, com posterior mensuração das lesões dermonecróticas. Os coelhos foram eutanasiados e amostras de órgãos e tecidos foram coletados para análise histopatológica. Nenhum parâmetro sanguíneo referente ao eritrograma mostrou-se alterado significativamente, mas a contagem total de leucócitos foi maior em GV, corroborando com a ação quimiotáxica neutrofílica já descrita para o veneno. Fígado e rins mantiveram a função preservada de acordo com a análise de bioquímica sérica. O ECG não demonstrou alterações entre grupos e momentos experimentais. A histopatologia elucidou uma tendência do veneno loxoscélico em induzir cardio/reno e hepatotoxicidade, tanto de forma direta como indireta. Conclui-se que apesar de o veneno possui ação cardio/reno e hepatotóxica, ambos coelhos e equinos mantiveram-se em condições clínicas adequadas. Uma maior deve ser dada aos equinos no período pós-sangria, devendo os mesmos serem acompanhados. A reinfusão de papa de hemácias é uma sugestão para esses animais.

Spider envenomation holds worldwide importance in public health and reaches significant and increasing numbers every year. Loxosceles spp. plays an important role in these statistics, especially in Brazil. Antivenom remains the only effective treatment against this ailment, and its production faces several hindrances since it depends on immunizing animals (mainly horses) and later processing their plasma, which leads to increasing animal welfare concerns. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the general clinical effects of Loxosceles spp. venom in horses that underwent immunization protocols for loxoscelic antivenom procurement, as well as those in rabbits who underwent a shorter immunization protocol. In experiment 1, eleven healthy horses, never immunized, were evaluated on three different periods: T0 before immunization; T1 after their first loxoscelic antivenom immunization; and T2 after their first commercial bleeding. Horses were clinically evaluated, sampled for blood, and underwent electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings. Significant clinical findings were the several suppurated subcutaneous abscesses due to the use of Freunds adjuvants and thrombophlebitis due to systematic venipunctures for commercial bleeding procedures. Horses at T2 presented the most blood alterations, including reduced packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), and hemoglobin. Liver and renal functions were unaffected. Hyperproteinemia occurred due to increase in globulin levels. ECG showed arrhythmias in few horses in T2, such as second-degree atrioventricular block (AVblock), as well as an increase in T and R waves. On experiment 2, seven crossbred horses, who had partaken in six or more complete antivenom-producing cycles, were used and established as the immunized group (IG). Eleven horses, under the same handling and general management, were established as the control group (CG). IG presented lower red blood cell count and packed cell volume, despite keeping values within inferior limits for the species. Renal function was not impaired, but liver-related enzymes were higher when compared to CG, probably due to liver exertion from immunoglobulin synthesis. ECG showed some abnormalities in IG, corroborated by increase in creatine kinase/isoenzyme MB fraction (CK-MB). In experiment 3, eleven male New Zealand rabbits were used. Five were allocated as a control group (CG), that received adjuvant (montanide) and phosphate-buffer saline. The six remaining rabbits received 21g of Loxosceles spp. venom using montanide as adjuvant (VG). After five immunization cycles, a trial with 7g of L. intermedia was performed, and dermonecrotic lesions were measured. Rabbits were then euthanized, and their organs harvested for histopathology analysis. No erythrocyte-related parameter showed significance, but white blood cell count was higher in VG, corroborating with venoms neutrophil chemotaxis. Liver and kidney functions were also preserved according to blood biochemical panel. ECG showed no alteration between experimental groups and evaluation periods. Histopathology showed a tendency for loxoscelic venom to produce a direct and indirect cardiotoxicity, renal toxicity, and hepatotoxicity. It was concluded that despite loxoscelic venom exerts cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and renal toxicity, both rabbits and horses were kept within acceptable clinical conditions. A crucial point to be highlighted is bleeding for industrial antivenom production, when horses should receive greater attention and perhaps reinfusion with suspended red blood cells.

Redescription of Avicularia taunayi and notes on its habitat and geographical distribution (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Aviculariinae)

We redescribe the poorly known tarantula species Avicularia taunayi (Mello-Leitão, 1920) and present information on its geographical distribution and habits. The spermatheca of the female is unusual for the genus: short, broad, with a median slight curvature and lobes on its basal, median and distal portions. The male resembles other Avicularia species but can be distinguished by the presence of a tibial apophysis on leg I in conjunction with legs I and IV having roughly the same length and the presence of pale rings on the distal femora, tibiae and metatarsi. Additionally, males and females have three pairs of light brown spots extending from the dorsum to the lateral region of the abdomen. Avicularia taunayi is found in the Brazilian Cerrado, a savannah-like biome. It is one of the aviculariine species with the southernmost distribution, reaching as far South as the Tropic of Capricorn.(AU)

Development of Loxosceles intermedia Mello-Leitão (1934) (Araneae, Sicariidae) genital tract / Desenvolvimento do trato genital de Loxosceles intermedia Mello-Leitão (1934) (Aranea: Sicariidae)

We examined the post-embryonic development of the male and female genital apparatus of the brown spider, Loxosceles intermedia. The development of the genital apparatus for both sexes begins with the appearance of inner structures. In the male genital apparatus, formation of the testes occurs first, followed by differentiation of the duct, ampulla and vas deferens, and finally the formation of the genital opening and differentiation of the copulatory organ (secondary sexual characteristic). Similarly, the development of the female genital apparatus begins with the formation of the ovaries, followed by the appearance of oocytes in vitellogenesis, then the development of oviducts and uterus internus and, finally, the spermatheca. These data may be very important in further comparative studies on the development of the reproductive system of spiders.(AU)

Examinamos o desenvolvimento pós-embrionário do aparelho genital masculino e feminino da aranha-marrom Loxosceles intermedia. O desenvolvimento do aparelho genital de ambos os sexos começa com o aparecimento de estruturas internas. No aparelho genital masculino a formação dos testículos ocorre primeiro, seguida pela diferenciação do ducto, ampola e vas deferens e, finalmente, a formação da abertura genital e diferenciação do órgão copulador (característica sexual secundária). Da mesma forma, o desenvolvimento do aparelho genital feminino começa com a formação dos ovários, seguida pelo aparecimento de oócitos em vitelogênese, o desenvolvimento dos ovidutos e uterus internus e, finalmente, a espermateca. Esses dados podem ser muito importantes em estudos comparativos sobre o desenvolvimento do sistema reprodutivo de aranhas.(AU)

On the taxonomy of the Neotropical spider genera Dossenus and Dyrines (Araneae: Lycosoidea: Trechaleidae) from Brazil

The male of Dossenus guapore Silva, Lise & Carico, 2007 is described and illustrated for the first time, based on material from Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The spider genus Dossenus Simon, 1898 is distributed from Panama to southern Brazil and can be distinguished by the other known genera of Trechaleidae by the median dark brown band on the carapace that extends to the abdomen and by the spoon-like shape of the median apophysis of the male palpus. A new species of Dyrines Simon, 1903, D. brescoviti sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on material collected in Sergipe and Paraná, Brazil. The representatives of this spider genus are relatively small and can be distinguished from the other genera by the longitudinal dark brown bands on the legs. New records of Dyrines striatipes (Simon, 1898) are presented.