Venom of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus

Description & Applications

Product Description

The venom of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus, the European Black Widow spider, is one of the most studied spider venoms due to its profound effects on the vertebrate nervous system. The primary active component is Alpha-Latrotoxin ($\alpha$-LTX), a high molecular weight protein (approx. 130 kDa) that triggers massive, exhaustive release of neurotransmitters from presynaptic nerve terminals.

Mechanism of Action:

• $\alpha$-Latrotoxin binds to specific receptors on the presynaptic membrane (Neurexins and CL1/LPHN1).
• This binding facilitates the formation of pores in the membrane permeable to calcium ions ($Ca^{2+}$).
• The influx of calcium causes the uncontrolled fusion of synaptic vesicles, leading to a “storm” of neurotransmitter release (acetylcholine, glutamate, GABA, etc.).
• This results in the clinical symptoms of latrodectism: severe muscle pain, cramping, rigidity, and autonomic disturbances.

Our whole venom is collected from wild-caught specimens in the Mediterranean region and lyophilized to preserve the activity of $\alpha$-LTX and other latrotoxins (insect-specific $\alpha$-LIT, crustacean-specific $\alpha$-LCT).

Research Applications

• Synaptic Biology:

  • The “Gold Standard” Tool: $\alpha$-Latrotoxin is widely used to study the mechanisms of synaptic vesicle exocytosis and fusion.
  • Investigation of presynaptic proteins (SNARE complex, synaptotagmin) involved in neurotransmission.
  • Study of calcium-independent neurotransmitter release mechanisms.

• Neuroscience:

  • Mapping of latrotoxin receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
  • Understanding the pathophysiology of neurotoxic envenomation.

• Antivenom Manufacturing:

  • Production of high-titer antisera for the treatment of Black Widow bites in Europe and Central Asia.
  • Development of recombinant antivenoms targeting the conserved epitopes of latrotoxins.

• Pest Control Research:

  • Study of insect-specific latrotoxins for the development of bio-insecticides that are safe for mammals.