[Peptide components of Geolycosa spider venom modulate P2X receptor activity of rat sensory neurons].

Almost each natural venom comprises a considerable combinatorial library of bioactive substances that have been optimized during evolution. Particular attention is devoted currently on a search for new modulators of ion channels from the venoms of arthropods. We have studied the effect of peptidous compounds of the Lycosa spider venom on the activity of P2X receptors in DRG neurons of rats. As a result, at least 7 proteins modulating various P2X receptor-operated ionic currents in the sensory neurons of rats have been found.