Electrophysiological Characterization of the Venom and Toxins from the Scorpion Tityus championi Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels and Molecular Modeling of Tch3, a Toxin with Therapeutic Potential for Pain Relief

Posted by
  Electrophysiological Characterization of the Venom and Toxins from the Scorpion Tityus championi Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels and Molecular Modeling of Tch3, a Toxin with Therapeutic Potential for Pain Relief Abstract Scorpion neurotoxins are small peptides that target ion channels and offer opportunities for novel therapeutic discovery. This study analyzed the functional effects of the venom and toxins from the Costa Rican endemic scorpion,  Tityus championi . Initially, crude venom was tested on different isoforms of voltage-gated sodium channels. Our findings revealed that the venom contains toxins that affect mammalian Na V 1.6 and Na V 1.7, as well as the cockroach BgNa V 1 channel. Increased currents through Na V 1.6 and BgNa V 1 channels were associated with bigger window currents and inhibition of inactivation. Decreased Na V 1.7 currents were associated with smaller conductance. Crude venom and TCh3 toxin inhibited action potential generation in invertebr...

A new remarkable species of Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 from Saudi Arabia (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Posted by

 


A new remarkable species of Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 from Saudi Arabia (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Abstract

A new remarkable buthid scorpion, Leiurus nigellus sp. nov., was discovered in Al Ula Governorate, north of Al Madinah Al Monawwarah Province, Saudi Arabia. The new species is described, fully illustrated, and compared with other species of the genus Leiurus reported from the Arabian Peninsula. Notes on its habitats are provided.

Abu Afifeh, B., Aloufi, A., Al-Saraireh, M., Badry, A., Al-Qahtni, A. H., & Amr, Z. S. (2023). A new remarkable species of <em>Leiurus</em> Ehrenberg, 1828 from Saudi Arabia (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Ecologica Montenegrina, 69, 91–106. https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2023.69.9