In experiments in rabbit hearts, a substance found in tarantula venom inhibited atrial fibrillation without affecting other normal functions of the heart. Atrial fibrillation, which can increase the risk of stroke, is the most common type of arrhythmia, or heart-rhythm disorder. Drugs may be prescribed to keep the potentially life-threatening condition under control. Tarantula venom is not deadly to humans, although the bite may be somewhat painful and can produce itching or infection. The venom was then broken down so that the researchers could isolate what was having the effect.
Peptides are what make up proteins.
The researchers induced atrial fibrillation in 10 rabbit hearts, but when the hearts were given an 8-milligram per milliliter dose of the peptide, the organs all returned to their normal rhythm. If you could target this selectively, you could knock down a major cause of fibrillation.