title: Comparison between two methods of scorpion venom milking in Morocco.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The present study compared two methods used successfully in a large-scale program for the collection of scorpion venoms, namely the milking of adult scorpions via manual and electrical stimulation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our immunobiochemical characterizations clearly demonstrate that regularly applied electrical stimulation obtains scorpion venom more easily and, most importantly, in greater quantity. Qualitatively, the electrically collected venom showed lack of hemolymph contaminants such as hemocyanin. In contrast, manual obtainment of venom subjects scorpions to maximal trauma, leading to hemocyanin secretion. Our study highlighted the importance of reducing scorpion trauma during venom milking.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, to produce high quality antivenom with specific antibodies, it is necessary to collect venom by the gentler electrical stimulation method.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Venoms and Toxins, Pasteur Institute of Morocco, 1 Place Louis Pasteur, Casablanca 20360, Morocco. nghalim@yahoo.fr.
authors.forename: Naoual
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Oukkache
authors.forename: Fatima
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chgoury
authors.forename: Mekki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lalaoui
authors.forename: Alejandro Alagón
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Cano
authors.forename: Noreddine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ghalim