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

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  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: ...

Beta Toxins Isolated from the Scorpion Centruroides hirsutipalpus (Scorpiones; Buthidae) Affect the Function of Sodium Channels of Mammals

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Beta Toxins Isolated from the Scorpion Centruroides hirsutipalpus (Scorpiones; Buthidae) Affect the Function of Sodium Channels of Mammals

Abstract

Scorpion venom toxins are important peptides being studied for their clinical significance. These peptides act by binding to ion channels in the membrane of nerve cells, causing the symptoms associated with scorpion stings (scorpionism). They principally affect the function of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) and are valuable for studying ion channels. Scorpions from the Buthidae family contain toxins that affect sodium channels and have a high affinity for mammalian channels. In this study, two sodium toxins isolated from the venom of the scorpion Centruroides hirsutipalpus, a member of the Buthidae family, were identified as belonging to the beta-type subfamily. These toxins were purified from whole venom using molecular exclusion, cationic-exchange, and reverse-phase chromatography techniques. Their molecular masses were determined using mass spectrometry, while their amino acid sequences were obtained by Edman degradation. A comparative analysis revealed that the sequences are identical to ChiNaBet60 and ChiNaBet50 toxins (now named Chirp7 and Chirp9, respectively) previously identified in the venom gland transcriptomics from C. hirsutipalpus. Furthermore, toxicity studies showed that these toxins were lethal to mammals. Electrophysiological analysis revealed that these peptides act as sodium channel–modulating toxins. In addition, interaction assays with antibodies were performed to analyze the structural determinants governing the binding mechanism.

L., L., María, J., Zamudio, F., Becerril, B., & Possani, L. D. (2025). Beta Toxins Isolated from the Scorpion Centruroides hirsutipalpus (Scorpiones; Buthidae) Affect the Function of Sodium Channels of Mammals. Toxins, 17(12), 584. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17120584