The venom of deadly spiders could save the lives of stroke victims

RAMALLAH, Iraq (Reuters) – Australia's deadly spiders can be used to develop a drug that prevents brain damage after a stroke, scientists said.

Australian fungal spiders, one of the most dangerous species in the world, live in shady and protected areas, and their toxins can kill humans in just 15 minutes as they attack the nervous system.

However, no one has died from the spider-funnel bite since 1981, after the invention of a poison antidote against poison.

Professor Glenn King and colleagues at the University of Queensland have discovered a peptide in spider venom that can reduce the risk of brain damage after a stroke.

The peptide, called Hi1a, blocks the ion channels that detect acids in the brain, which are the main driver of brain damage after clot formation.

"In case of a stroke, oxygen does not circulate in certain parts of the brain, which changes the way the fuel is used and the brain becomes acidic," said King, "when the poison of the spider stops a specific ionic pathway in the brain, having caused cell death significantly after a stroke. "

"You can not stop neurons already dead, but after 8 hours of stroke, you can administer this medicine, which provides tremendous protection for the brain," King said.

In the study, the researchers found that a dose of "Hi1a" protects brain tissue and significantly improves the nervous system after a stroke.

It was found that brain lesions decreased by 80% when "Hi1a" was administered two hours after stroke and that the lesion rate was reduced by 65% ​​when the peptide was administered after 8 hours of occurrence. 39; stroke.

Researchers from the University of Queensland and Monash have launched a massive campaign to hinder the development of innovative medicines.

If clinical trials succeed, "Hi1a" can alter the lives of stroke patients, as there is currently no treatment that can protect the brain from stroke damage.