Quantitative variability in the biodistribution and in toxinokinetic studies of the three main alpha toxins from the Androctonus australis hector scorpion venom

摘要: Scorpion stings represent a medical problem in numerous countries. The scorpion Androctonus australis hector produces three alpha toxins (Aah I to III), which are responsible for most of the lethality mammals. These act on sodium channel and do not cross-react immunologically. We used RIA ELISA measure concentrations these plasma, urine different organs after i.v. s.c. injections water extracts venoms rabbits or mice. In both animals, rapidly appeared plasma injection as it was previously described whole venom. However, disappeared from blood more quickly than did other main components Thus, serotherapy must be initiated immediately prevent toxin reaching its target. also detected urine, kidneys, heart lungs, but brain. concentration Aah II always lower that I. Analysis five samples venom collected areas southern Tunisia showed large polymorphism exists toxins. This is yet another difficulty there no cross-antigenicity between them.