Isolation and Biological Activity of Synaptic Toxins from the Venom of the Funnel Web Spider, Agelenopsis Aperta

Author(s):  
Michael E. Adams ◽  
F. E. Enderlin ◽  
R. I. Cone ◽  
D. A. Schooley
1998 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 1211-1215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasushi SHIKATA ◽  
Hiroshi OHE ◽  
Nariyasu MANO ◽  
Manabu KUWADA ◽  
Naoki ASAKAWA

1992 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
J M Sullivan ◽  
E M Lasater

Calcium currents were recorded from cultured horizontal cells (HCs) isolated from adult white bass retinas, using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Ca2+ currents were enhanced using 10 mM extracellular Ca2+, while Na+ and K+ currents were pharmacologically suppressed. Two components of the Ca2+ current, one transient, the other sustained, were found. The large transient component of the Ca2+ current, which has not been seen before in HCs, is similar, but not identical, to the T-type Ca2+ current described previously in a variety of preparations. The sustained component of the Ca2+ current is similar, but not identical, to the L-type current described in other preparations. FTX, a factor isolated from the venom of the funnel-web spider, Agelenopsis aperta, preferentially and irreversibly blocks the sustained component of the Ca2+ current at very dilute concentrations. The sustained component of the Ca2+ current inactivates slowly, over the course of 15-60 s, in some HCs. This inactivation of the sustained Ca2+ current, when present, is primarily voltage dependent rather than Ca2+ dependent.


1989 ◽  
Vol 264 (4) ◽  
pp. 2150-2155
Author(s):  
W S Skinner ◽  
M E Adams ◽  
G B Quistad ◽  
H Kataoka ◽  
B J Cesarin ◽  
...  

1992 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 1814-1820 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. John Jasys ◽  
Paul R. Kelbaugh ◽  
Deane M. Nason ◽  
Douglas Phillips ◽  
Kenneth J. Rosnack ◽  
...  

Behaviour ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 137 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maher Noureddine ◽  
Fred Singer ◽  
Anthony Morris ◽  
Elizabeth Becker ◽  
Susan Riechert ◽  
...  

AbstractLaboratory studies of the funnel-web spider Agelenopsis aperta were conducted to determine the action patterns displayed by males and females during courtship, and to identify the elements of courtship associated with subsequent acceptance by the female. When placed on a female's web, a male usually went through a courtship sequence that included lateral swaying of his abdomen and flexing the web with his walking legs. These displays were punctuated with rest periods of varying duration. In all successful matings, females entered a cataleptic state in which they collapsed and appeared unconscious. In some courtships, males began mating with the female immediately after inducing catalepsis. But in most successful courtships (79%) males abandoned the cataleptic female and resumed the courtship sequence. Successful males were more active than unsuccessful males during the early stages of courtship. Successful males also tended to sway their abdomens with higher frequency than unsuccessful males during the courtship dance. We hypothesize that females are selecting males on the basis of vibratory performance during courtship, but that other factors, including chemical communication, may also play a role in mate selection.


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