Secretion of the arthrodial membrane gland of a harvester (Arachnida: Opiliones): Antimicrobial activity

Author(s)

Silva, Norton Felipe dos Santos ; Willemart, Rodrigo Hirata ; Silva, Jose Roberto Machado Cunha ; da Silva Junior, Pedro Ismael

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Invertebrate Pathology; v. 206, p. 4-pg., 2024-08-24.

Abstract

Because of the exoskeleton, arthropods must have flexible areas to be able to move. Such regions are called arthrodial membranes and are particularly vulnerable to bacteria and fungi. Here, we analyzed the secretion in the glands underneath it in a Neotropical harvester Mischonyx squalidus (Arachnida: Opiliones) and tested whether it has antiseptical properties. We punctured the membrane, collected and quantified in a spectrophotometer. We also fractionated and analyzed the samples in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and then incubated the treated fractions and determined growth inhibition by measuring absorbance. The secretions resulted in 100 fractions, among which two had activity against the Gram-positive bacteria Micrococcus luteus and against the yeast Candida albicans. The low concentrations at which the secretions were active are relevant from a biotechnological point of view. For the organism, the secretions possibly prevent infections, including when they are attacked in these regions by predators that pick that spot to bite. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/05158-5 - Morphological, behavioral and chemical defenses against natural enemies in Harvestmen (Arachnida)
• Grantee: Rodrigo Hirata Willemart
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/07467-1 - CeTICS - Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling
• Grantee: Hugo Aguirre Armelin
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC