Researchers from the University of Queensland and Monash University, using venom from funnel-web spiders have discovered a protein that can potentially protect the brain from further injury when a stroke occurs. The protein, Hi1a, when injected into lab rats blocked acid-sensing ion channels in the brain, that are thought to facilitate brain damage after a stroke. Knowing that insect venom works on the nervous system of prey, the researchers turned to spider venom in hopes it can affect the human nervous system in beneficial ways. Every ten seconds someone in the world has a stroke, which is the second leading cause of death, up to 6.7 deaths annually. This potential treatment has yet to be tested on humans but is promising.
Key Takeaways:
- A spider venom protein may help prevent brain injury after a stroke.
- The Hi1a works as a blocker of acid sensing ion channels that otherwise would damage the brain.
- If successful, the time frame to administer this brain saving measure would be double the current method.
“A protein in spider venom may help protect the brain from injury after a stroke, according to research.”
Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-39335367