Comparison between two methods of scorpion venom milking in Morocco

• Published in: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases
• Main Authors: Naoual Oukkache, Fatima Chgoury, Mekki Lalaoui, Alejandro Alagón Cano, Noreddine Ghalim
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SciELO 2013
• Subjects: Scorpion venoms; Manual stimulation; Electrical stimulation; Antivenom; Lethality; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Toxicology. Poisons; RA1190-1270; Zoology; QL1-991; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/1678-9199-19-5; https://doaj.org/article/51d253030f664c47928e6b8fec6484d7

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.