Indian Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria regalis) Venom Affects Myoblast Function and Causes Skeletal Muscle Damage

Envenomation by the Indian ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria regalis) is medically relevant to humans, both in its native India and worldwide, where they are kept as pets. Muscle-related symptoms such cramps pain commonly reported humans following envenomation this species. There no specific treatment, including antivenom, for envenomation. Moreover, scientific knowledge of impact venom on skeletal muscle function highly limited. Therefore, we carried out study better understand myotoxic properties Poecilotheria regalis determining effects cultured myoblasts tibialis anterior mice. While there was effect found undifferentiated myoblasts, affected differentiated multinucleated myotubes resulting reduction fusion atrophy myotubes. Similarly, intramuscular administration mice resulted extensive damage day 5. However, 10, regeneration evident, process continued until 20. Nevertheless, some tissue abnormalities reduced dystrophin expression microthrombi presence were observed Overall, demonstrates ability induce significant affect early stages. These data provide novel mechanistic insights into venom-induced guide future studies isolate characterise individual toxic component(s) that their significance developing therapeutics.