Sex-linked variation of Loxosceles intermedia spider venoms

Toxicon. 1999 Jan;37(1):217-21. doi: 10.1016/s0041-0101(98)00130-5.

Abstract

In order to investigate intraspecific differences in Loxosceles intermedia spider venom we compared some biological properties of male and female venoms. Females produced higher amounts of venom than males. Furthermore, female venom presented more potent dermonecrotic and complement-dependent activities than male venom. Interestingly, the F35 toxin, a dermonecrotic and complement-dependent haemolytic factor, was also present in greater amounts in female venom, as demonstrated by ELISA. Therefore, the higher production and increased toxicity of venom in female specimens as compared to males may contribute to the variability observed in the severity of envenoming caused by L. intermedia spiders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Complement System Proteins / physiology
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Hemolysis / drug effects
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Necrosis
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Skin / pathology
  • Spider Venoms / chemistry*
  • Spider Venoms / metabolism
  • Spider Venoms / toxicity*
  • Spiders / physiology*

Substances

  • Spider Venoms
  • Complement System Proteins