Distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus scorpion venoms on cardiovascular and renal functions

  Distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus scorpion venoms on cardiovascular and renal functions Abstract Background:    Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus are widely distributed in Southeast Asia, yet their pathophysiological effects of both venoms remain poorly characterized due to low human fatality rates. This study compared their venom compositions and acute cardiovascular and renal effects. Methods:   Anesthetized male New Zealand White rabbits were monitored for blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and renal clearance following intravenous administration of crude venom (0.5 mg/kg). Venom components were identified via LC-MS/MS, and hematological/biochemical parameters were assessed. Results:    H. laoticus venom induced a rapid, transient hypotension ( p < 0.05), followed by a mild, prolonged hypotensive phase (up to 120 min). Conversely, L. mucronatus venom elicited a biphasic response: ...

Integrative systematics of the widespread Middle Eastern buthid scorpion, Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), reveals a new species in Iran

 


Integrative systematics of the widespread Middle Eastern buthid scorpion, Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), reveals a new species in Iran

Abstract

Morphological and genetic variation among populations of the widespread buthid scorpion, Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), occurring in western and southwestern Iran was explored using morphometric variables, one nuclear marker (28S rDNA) and three mitochondrial markers (12S rDNA, 16S rDNA, and Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I). Genetic and morphometric statistical analyses revealed extensive cryptic diversity. Phylogenetic analysis with Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood uncovered two divergent clades, one of which is described as a new species, Hottentotta hatamtiorum sp. nov., from Ilam and Khuzestan Provinces, southwestern Iran. The description of the new species raises the total count of Hottentotta Birula, 1908 species to 61, twelve of which are endemic or subendemic to the Iranian Plateau.

Amiri M, Prendini L, Hussen FS, Aliabadian M, Siahsarvie R, Mirshamsi O (2024) Integrative systematics of the widespread Middle Eastern buthid scorpion, Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), reveals a new species in Iran. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny 82: 323-341. https://doi.org/10.3897/asp.82.e98662