Thermoregulation Effects of Phoneutria nigriventer Isolated Toxins in Rats

Abstract

Body temperature is primarily regulated by the hypothalamus, ensuring proper metabolic function. Envenomation by Phoneutria nigriventer can cause symptoms such as hypothermia, hyperthermia, sweating, and shivering, all related to thermoregulation. This study aims to analyze and identify components of the venom that affect thermoregulation and to evaluate possible mechanisms. Rats were used for thermoregulation analysis, venom fractionation by gel filtration and reverse-phase chromatography (C18), and sequencing by Edman degradation. The venom exhibited hypothermic effects in rats, while its fractions demonstrated both hypothermic (pool II) and hyperthermic (pool III) effects. Further separations of the pools with C18 identified specific peaks responsible for these effects. However, as the peaks were further purified, their effects became less significant. Tests on U87 human glioblastoma cells showed no toxicity. Sequencing of the most active peaks revealed masses similar to those of the Tachykinin and Ctenotoxin families, both known to act on the nervous system. The study concludes that molecules derived from venom can act synergistically or antagonistically. Additionally, toxins that affect thermoregulation are poorly studied and require further characterization. These toxins could potentially serve as sources for the development of new thermoregulatory drugs.