The effect of artificial and natural immunostimulants on the hemocytes of Steatoda grossa (Theridiidae) spiders exposed to cadmium

The dataset provides insights into the effects of long-term exposure to sublethal concentrations of cadmium on the hemocytes of adult female Steatoda grossa spiders. The study investigated both quantitative and qualitative degenerative changes in hemocytes following six months of exposure through a cadmium-contaminated prey model (Drosophila hydei). Additionally, it examined the responsiveness of hemocytes to artificial and natural immunostimulants, including 12-myristate 13-acetate phorbol (PMA) and bacterial suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (Gram-negative).The dataset includes:Cellular composition of hemolymph determined via flow cytometry using a FACScalibur (BD Biosciences) with CellQuest software. Three primary hemocyte subpopulations were analyzed: small, non-granular cells; large, non-granular cells; and large, granular cells. Hemocyte morphology was also assessed using an inverted microscope.Qualitative assessment of hemocyte condition, conducted through transmission electron microscopy (TEM; Hitachi H500).Metallothionein (MT) levels, measured using Indirect ELISA with a protocol optimized for spider samples. A mouse MT monoclonal antibody (Stressgen; 1:1000, 100 µL) was used as the primary antibody, while a goat anti-mouse IgG polyclonal antibody (AP Conjugate, Stressgen) served as the secondary antibody. A comparative analysis of MT levels in midgut cells was also performed.