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

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  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 proactive multidisciplinary approach to Naja atra envenomation reduces surgical burden and length of hospital stay

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A proactive multidisciplinary approach to Naja atra envenomation reduces surgical burden and length of hospital stay

Abstract

We report that the implementation of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) protocol - integrating early ultrasound surveillance, prompt surgical intervention, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and optimized antivenom administration - was associated with a marked reduction the length of hospital stay and surgical burden among patients with Naja atra envenomation at a tertiary medical center in Taiwan. This approach shifts management from a reactive to a proactive strategy by enabling the early detection of tissue involvement and timely intervention.

Huang, H.-P., Yeh, T.-K., Huang, P.-H., Lai, K.-L., Lai, C.-S., Liu, P.-Y., & Mao, Y.. (2026). A proactive multidisciplinary approach to Naja atra envenomation reduces surgical burden and length of hospital stay. Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases, 32, e20260029. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-9199-JVATITD-2026-0029