Inter-individual variability in equine antibody responses to African snake venoms follows heavy-tailed distributions with implications for antivenom production

  Inter-individual variability in equine antibody responses to African snake venoms follows heavy-tailed distributions with implications for antivenom production Abstract Variability in the antibody response of horses used for snake antivenom manufacture is well recognized, yet its statistical structure and implications for industrial productivity remain poorly characterized. In this study, we quantified antivenom antibody titers by ELISA in a cohort of 14 horses immunized with venoms from the clinically most important snakes in sub-Saharan Africa. To integrate antibody levels with plasma availability, we calculated the Cumulative Plasma Productivity (CPP) by converting individual plasma volumes into titer-corrected equivalents and sequentially pooling these volumes according to their corrected contribution. Distributional analysis revealed right-skewed, heavy-tailed patterns better approximated by a log-normal model than by a strict Pareto (power-law) form, with approximately 20–3...

Exploring the Inter- and Intra-Specific Variability of Androctonus Scorpion Venoms

 


Exploring the Inter- and Intra-Specific Variability of Androctonus Scorpion Venoms 

Abstract

Scorpion venom possesses a lethal sting and potential medicinal properties, making it a captivating natural elixir. Our study aimed to unravel the composition of Androctonus scorpion venoms in Morocco. Using electrospray mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we conducted a thorough analysis to gain detailed insights into venom composition. The data unveiled a wide range of molecular weights, influenced by factors such as species, genus, location, age, sex, and diet. Short toxins (2000–4000 Da) predominated in the venoms, effectively blocking K+ channels, while larger molecular weights (>4000 Da) corresponded to long toxins that modulate Na+ channels. Furthermore, we made intriguing discoveries of previously unidentified peptides (<2000 Da). This study provides valuable knowledge, shedding light on the intricate composition of scorpion venoms.

Hilal, Ines, Soukaina Khourcha, Amal Safi, Abdelaziz Hmyene, Reto Stöcklin, and Naoual Oukkache. 2023. "Exploring the Inter- and Intra-Specific Variability of Androctonus Scorpion Venoms" Biology and Life Sciences Forum 24, no. 1: 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/IECT2023-14797