The researchers found that peptides extracted from spider venom can relieve pain

According to foreign media reports, spider venom is generally prohibited by people, but there may be exceptions in some cases. Australian researchers have found two peptides in the venom of tarantula tarantula, which show hope of blocking organ pain, especially in mouse models of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Recently, a large number of studies have found that compounds in spider venom have positive effects, including potential treatments for skin cancer, stroke injury and arthritis. In fact, earlier this year, new researchers discovered a painkiller protein in the venom of Chinese tarantulas.

Now, the team has found a new molecule in a different spider species that targets visceral pain, which is usually caused by gastrointestinal and bladder diseases.

"The internal organs have a complex sensory neural network with a wide range of voltage-gated ion channels and receptors to detect stimuli," said Stuart Brierley, author of the study "The hypersensitivity of these nerves in diseases often leads to the development of pain. "

As a result, the team began to study which peptides could help treat visceral pain by selectively blocking the associated sodium channels. Ideally, they don't affect other channels, such as those in the heart.

After screening 28 spider species, the team found a particularly promising candidate spider in the venom of pinkfoot Goliath. This spider is found in Venezuela and Brazil. It is one of the largest spiders in the world, with legs about 30 cm long.

The researchers found two peptides, tap1a and tap2a, that are very effective in inhibiting pain related ion channels. When tested on IBS mice, the team found tap1a to be particularly effective, almost completely relieving the chronic visceral pain caused by the disease.

Of course, any treatment based on the results of this research is still a long way to go, because they need to go through further animal trials to reach human trials.

"We now have a very deep understanding of the structure and function of these spider venom peptides," said lead researcher Richard Lewis. "This is a highly selective pain treatment, while others are being used as new research tools to understand the potential drivers of pain in different diseases. "

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