Partial proteomic analysis of brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) venom to determine the biological activities

Eggs provide a rich source of nutrients for the developing embryo, making them a favoured food source for other organisms as well. Several defence mechanisms have evolved to protect the developing embryos against microbial threats. In this article, we elucidate the defence strategy of brown widow spider ( Latrodectus geometricus ) eggs against bacteria. Antibacterial activity was shown by inhibition of bacterial growth on agar plate, liquid culture and retarded biofilm formation. The defence strategy against bacterial invasion was demonstrated in the whole egg, whole egg extract, egg surface extract, eggshell and eggshell extract. The source and characteristics of this antibacterial activity are distinctive and stem in part from a dense layer of spheres covering the egg surface, likely originated from the oviposition fluid. The spheres are rich in low-molecular-weight proteins, yet their exact composition remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that the egg surface is hydrophobic, while the spheres are superhydrophilic. Egg surface roughness and hydrophobicity combined with its antibacterial chemical properties reduce the ability of bacteria to grow on the egg surface. Understanding the properties of these unique structures may contribute significantly to our knowledge of how nature deals with bacterial infections.

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Severe Reaction from Envenomation by the Brown Widow Spider, Latrodectus geometricus (Araneae: Theridiidae)

Southern Medical Journal ◽

10.1097/smj.0b013e31817f4d89 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 101 (12) ◽

pp. 1269-1270 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Jerome Goddard ◽

Stacy Upshaw ◽

David Held ◽

Kerry Johnnson

Keyword(s):

Severe Reaction ◽

Latrodectus Geometricus ◽

Brown Widow Spider ◽

Widow Spider

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Neurotoxic activity and ultrastructural changes in muscles caused by the brown widow spider Latrodectus geometricus venom

Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo ◽

10.1590/s0036-46652009000200007 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 51 (2) ◽

pp. 95-101 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Matias Reyes-Lugo ◽

Trina Sánchez ◽

Héctor J. Finol ◽

Elda E. Sánchez ◽

José A. Suárez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽

Sodium Dodecyl ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Interactive Effects ◽

Ultrastructural Changes ◽

Venom Protein ◽

Reducing Conditions ◽

Latrodectus Geometricus ◽

Brown Widow Spider ◽

Widow Spider

Brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) venom (BrWSV) produces few local lesions and intense systemic reactions such as cramps, harsh muscle pains, nausea, vomiting and hypertension. Approximately 16 protein bands under reducing conditions and ~ 14 bands under non-reducing conditions on a 12.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were observed. Neurotoxic clinical manifestations were confirmed in vivo, while proteolytic activity was demonstrated on gelatine film. Severe ultrastructural damages in mice skeletal muscles were observed at 3, 6, 12 and 24 h postinjection with at total of 45 µg of venom protein. Infiltration of eosinophils and ruptures of the cellular membranes were observed in the muscles along with swelling of the nuclear cover and interruption of the collagen periodicity. Altered mitochondrias and autophage vacuoles, nuclear indentation and mitochondria without cristae, slight increment of intermyofibrillar and subsarcolemic spaces and myelinic figures formation were also observed. In the capillary, endothelial membrane unfolding into the lumen was noticed; along with myelinic figures compatible with a toxic myopathy. Swollen sarcotubular systems with lysis of membrane, intense mitochondria autophagia and areas without pinocytic vesicles were observed. Swollen mitochondria surrounded by necrotic areas, myofibrillar disorganization and big vacuolas of the sarcotubular system, degenerated mitochondrium with formation of myelinic figure was seen. Glycogenosomes with small particulate, muscle type glycogen was noticed. Autophagic vacuole (autophagolysosomes) and necrotic areas were also noticed. These damages may be due to interactive effects of the multifactorial action of venom components. However, Latrodectus geometricus venom molecules may also be utilized as neuro therapeutic tools, as they affect neuronal activities with high affinity and selectivity. To our knowledge, the present study is the first ultrastructural report in the literature of muscle injuries and neurological and proteolytic activities caused by BrWSV.

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