Antigenic cross-reactivity of venoms from medically important Loxosceles (Araneae) species in Brazil.
Antigenic cross-reactivity between the components of venoms from three spiders of the genus Loxosceles, L. gaucho, L. laeta and L. intermedia, was studied. Species-specific antisera were prepared by immunization of rabbits with each venom. Anti-L. gaucho horse hyperimmune serum provided by the Butantan Institute for treatment of accidents with these spiders was also used. Separation by SDS-PAGE showed the existence of many common components in the three antigens. No individual antigen was observed. Analysis of the antisera by ELISA and Western blotting showed cross-reactivity as well as several common bands between the three venoms. The horse anti-L. gaucho venom serum recognized many common proteins when antigens of the other two species were used. Antigens in the range of 33,000-35,000 mol. wt showed most cross-reactivity. Both horse and rabbit anti-venom sera contained antibodies able to neutralize the lethal and dermonecrotic activities of the venom of the three species studied.
Barbaro
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Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil.
Eickstedt
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VR
Mota
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D000818:Animals; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D000997:Antivenins / Q000276:immunology*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D001938:Brazil; D003429:Cross Reactions / Q000276:immunology; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D051379:Mice; D009500:Neutralization Tests; D011817:Rabbits; D013111:Spider Venoms / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*
D000997:Antivenins; D013111:Spider Venoms