Spider Venom And Brain Damage

A group of researchers at the University of Queensland and Monash University have accidentally discovered a protein that could reduce the damage caused by stroke. The fascinating source of this substance turned out to be the funnel spider. What is the connection between spider venom and brain damage?

The group, led by Professor Glenn King of the University of Queensland’s Institute for Biomolecular Science (IMB), published the results of their studies in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the journal of the United States National Academy of Sciences.

According to the claims, a single dose of this protein would be enough to significantly reduce the damage caused by a stroke. The substance works even eight hours after the event.

Discovery

This interesting discovery was completely accidental. Scientists were sequencing the DNA of the spider venom. Suddenly, they detected the molecule Hi1a and saw that it closely resembles a chemical compound used to protect brain cells.

This intrigued them so much that they decided to synthesize the compound and test it. Thus, the researchers collected spiders from Fraser Island, on the south coast of Queensland (Australia) and took them to the laboratory. There, they advanced procedures to release the venom of spiders.

They then filtered the protein they had previously found to create a laboratory version of it. They then injected a group of mice that had a stroke two hours earlier. The compound reduced brain damage by 80%.

They repeated the same procedure with another group of mice that had a stroke eight hours earlier. Brain damage was reduced by 65% ​​compared to another group of mice that did not receive the substance.

Spider venom and brain damage

The technical name for the funnel spider is Atrax robustus. However, it is also known as the Sydney spider or the Sydney tarantula.

He is considered one of the deadliest spiders on the planet. Males measure between 4.5 and 7 cm, while females are between 5.8 and 7 cm. Spiders live on the east coast of Australia and have large bags of poison on their bodies. They are black-bluish or bright brown and have silky hairs on the abdomen. In addition, their feet are shiny and have rows of teeth at the base.

This spider weaves webs between 18 and 58 m long, which look like a “Y” or a “T”. This is why it is called the funnel spider. It is responsible for 13 deaths in Australia that were documented in the 20th century.

Protein

Scientists have named the protein discovered Hi1A. It has a unique property useful against stroke: it blocks ion channels that are sensitive to acid in the brain. These structures are crucial in the event of a stroke.

It should be noted that when a stroke occurs, the person is affected by a lack of oxygenation of the brain. This causes the body to start consuming glucose in a very different way than it normally would. This helps him get the fuel he needs to keep his brain running.

However, this process has other effects. The main one is the production of acid, which could cause the death of brain cells. Hi1A protein acts as a kind of shield that prevents this damage.

Experts estimate that about six million people die each year from a stroke. Another five million affected patients suffer permanent consequences for the same reason. As you can see, this new stroke treatment has amazing potential.

Scientists are currently conducting tests to determine if the substance is safe for use in humans. If so, it could become the first treatment to be applied immediately after a stroke. It can be given in an ambulance or as soon as the patient arrives at the hospital.

Researchers expect to inject the first man next year. They are currently raising the funds needed to complete the process. If all goes well, the product may be mass-marketed in the coming years.