Elemental analysis of scorpion venoms.
Scorpion venom is a rich source of biomolecules, which can perturb physiological activity of the host on envenomation and may also have a therapeutic potential. Scorpion venoms produced by the columnar cells of venom gland are complex mixture of mucopolysaccharides, neurotoxic peptides and other components. This study was aimed at cataloguing the elemental composition of venoms obtained from medically important scorpions found in the Arabian peninsula. The global elemental composition of the crude venom obtained fromAndroctonus bicolor, Androctonus crassicaudaandLeiurus quinquestriatusscorpions were estimated using ICP-MS analyzer. The study catalogued several chemical elements present in the scorpion venom using ICP-MS total quant analysis and quantitation of nine elements exclusively using appropriate standards. Fifteen chemical elements including sodium, potassium and calcium were found abundantly in the scorpion venom at PPM concentrations. Thirty six chemical elements of different mass ranges were detected in the venom at PPB level. Quantitative analysis of the venoms revealed copper to be the most abundant element inAndroctonus sp.venom but at lower level inLeiurus quinquestriatusvenom; whereas zinc and manganese was found at higher levels inLeiurus sp.venom but at lower level inAndroctonus sp.venom. These data and the concentrations of other different elements present in the various venoms are likely to increase our understanding of the mechanisms of venom activity and their pharmacological potentials.
Research Center , PSMMC, Riyadh, KSA, 11159.
AbdulRahman K
AK
Al-Asmari
Research Center , PSMMC, Riyadh, KSA, 11159.
Faisal
F
Kunnathodi
Department of Urology , PSMMC, Riyadh, KSA, 11159.
Khalid
K
Al Saadon
Research Center , PSMMC, Riyadh, KSA, 11159.
Mohammed M
MM
Idris
Androctonus bicolor; Androctonus crassicauda and Leiurus quinquestriatus; Elements; ICP-MS; Scorpion; Venom