On the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 in French Guiana, with description of a new species (Scorpiones: Ananteridae)

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  On the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 in French Guiana, with description of a new species (Scorpiones: Ananteridae) Abstract One new species belonging to the genus  Ananteris  Thorell is described from the foot of the Mount Grand Matoury, French Guiana. The description of this new species brings further evidence about the biogeographic patterns of distribution presented by most species of the genus  Ananteris , which are highly endemic in many natural formations of South America and in particular in French Guiana. The new taxon described here raises the number of known species for the genus  Ananteris  in French Guiana to 13, and the total number of currently recognized species for the genus to 100. A geographical distribution map of the species occurring in French Guiana is presented and an identification key is proposed. Ythier E. & Lourenço W. R., 2026. – A propos du genre  Ananteris  Thorell, 1891 en Guyane Française, avec la description ...

Tityus serrulatus Scorpion Venom-Induced Nociceptive Responses Depend on TRPV1, Immune Cells, and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

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Tityus serrulatus Scorpion Venom-Induced Nociceptive Responses Depend on TRPV1, Immune Cells, and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract

For centuries, researchers have been fascinated by the composition of scorpion venom and its local and systemic effects on humans. During a sting, scorpions inject peptides and proteins that can affect immune cells and neurons. While the immune and nervous systems have been studied independently in the context of scorpion stings, here we reveal part of the mechanism by which Tityus serrulatus venom induces hyperalgesia in mice. Through behavioral, immune, imaging assays, and mice genetics, we demonstrate evidence of neuroimmune crosstalk during scorpion stings. Tityus serrulatus venom induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent manner, as well as overt pain-like behavior. The venom directly activated dorsal root ganglia neurons and increased the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Blocking TRPV1+ neurons, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NFκB reduced the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, overt pain-like behavior, and the migration of macrophages and neutrophils induced by Tityus serrulatus venom. Collectively, Tityus serrulatus venom targets primary afferent nociceptive TRPV1+ neurons to induce hyperalgesia through the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.


Ferraz, C. R., Manchope, M. F., Bertozzi, M. M., Andrade, K. C., Franciosi, A., Zaninelli, T. H., Borghi, S. M., Cândido, D. M., Cunha, T. M., Casagrande, R., Kwasniewski, F. H., & Verri, W. A. (2025). Tityus serrulatus Scorpion Venom-Induced Nociceptive Responses Depend on TRPV1, Immune Cells, and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines. Toxins, 17(7), 332. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17070332 

Image Credit: @tityus_is_cool