Variation in venom yield, protein concentration and regeneration toxicity in the scorpion Buthus lienhardi

Scorpion venom research aims to develop treatments for dangerous species and identify candidates for new drugs. The extraction of high-quality venom, which is essential, requires mastery of the extraction and maintenance of scorpions. It is in this perspective that we have undertaken this present work which aims to contribute to scientifically mastering venom yields and the factors that influence them in scorpions.

Two experiments were conducted. In the first, the volume yield and protein concentration of venom from 121 Buthus lienhardi scorpions were examined according to their size, sex, mass and place of origin. In the second experiment, the quality and quantity of venom regenerated over 30 days after extraction were measured on 80 scorpions, with samples collected at different time points (8 H, 16 H, 24 H, 32 H, 48 H, 3 days (D), 7 D, 11 D, 15 D and 30 D). In addition, the toxicity of venom samples collected from mice at different stages was evaluated.

The volume of venom extracted by electrical stimulation was linearly related to body length. Body length and protein concentration were not correlated. When considering the multiple influences on production volume in Buthus lienhardi, the most important factor was body length, but volume was also positively associated with mesosome length and relative body mass. Male scorpions produced a greater volume of venom with a higher protein concentration than females.

For venom regeneration, the volume of venom extracted after depletion showed a significant increase over the days, reaching a complete recovery by day 11. In contrast, protein regeneration and toxicity were slower than that of volume, with a complete recovery observed by day 15.

This study should lead to the design of better venom extraction protocols for several studies such as treatment development, basic research and especially for drug development.