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Objective: Kaliotoxin2 (KTX2) is a highly selective blocker of voltage-dependent potassium channels Kv1.3 containing 37 amino acid residues. It is purified from Androctonus australis scorpion venom. The binding of KTX2 to its targets is able to alter the neuronal excitability leading to neurological disorders, accompanied by an inflammatory response. In brain, activation of insulin receptor signaling pathway by insulin induces current suppression and concomitant tyrosine phosphorylation of Kv1.3 channel. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of insulin injected by i.c.v. route on the neuro-pathophysiological and systemic disorders induced by KTX2.Materials and methods: Tissue damage, inflammatory response and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed in NMRI mice at 24 h after co-injection of KTX2 and insulin by intracerebroventricular route.Results: Obtained results revealed that the central administration of insulin prevents cerebral cortex injury, brain edema and blood-brain barrier alteration induced by KTX2, these are accompanied by significant decrease of systemic disorders including serum cytokines, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers and tissue damage.Conclusion: These results indicate that insulin is able to reduce neuro-immunological effects and systemic disorders induced by KTX2. The neuroprotective effect of insulin may be due to its crucial role in the regulation of inflammation response and its properties to modulate the activity of Kv1.3 channels in brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Tityus serrulatus scorpion species represents a serious human health threat to in Brazil because it is among the animals that produces the most dangerous venoms for mammals in South America. Its venom has provided several highly selective ligands that specifically interact with sodium and potassium channels. During the past decades, several international groups published an increasing amount of data on the isolation and the chemical, pharmacological and immunological characterisation of its main β-toxin, Ts1. In this review, we compiled the best available past and recent knowledge on Ts1. Aside from its intricate purification, the state-of-the-art understanding concerning its pharmacological activities is presented. Its solved three-dimensional structure is shown, as well as the possible surface areas of contact between Ts1 and its diverse voltage-gated Na+ channel targets. Organisations of the gene and the precursor encoding Ts1 are also tackled based on available cDNA clones or on information obtained from polymerase chain reactions of stretches of scorpion DNA. At last, the immunological studies complete with Ts1 to set up an efficient immunotherapy against the Tityus serrulatus venom are summarized. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • An updated review on the current knowledge about the Tityus serrulatus toxin Ts1. • Comparison between the diverse purification procedures of Ts1. • Ts1 cDNA cloning and genomic organisations. • Ts1 3D-structure and structure-function relationships with its targets. • Special emphasis given to Ts1 pharmacology on voltage-gated Na+ channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bot III neurotoxin is the most lethal α neurotoxin purified from Buthus occitanus tunetanus scorpion venom. This toxin binds to the voltage-gated sodium channel of excitable cells and blocks its inactivation, inducing an increased release of neurotransmitters (acetylcholine and catecholamines). This study aims to elucidate the involvement of cholinergic and adrenergic receptors in pathogenesis and inflammatory response triggered by this toxin. Injection of Bot III to animals induces an increase of peroxidase activities, an imbalance of oxidative status, tissue damages in lung parenchyma, and myocardium correlated with metabolic disorders. The pretreatment with nicotine (nicotinic receptor agonist) or atropine (muscarinic receptor antagonist) protected the animals from almost all disorders caused by Bot III toxin, especially the immunological alterations. Bisoprolol administration (selective β1 adrenergic receptor antagonist) was also efficient in the protection of animals, mainly on tissue damage. Propranolol (non-selective adrenergic receptor antagonist) showed less effect. These results suggest that both cholinergic and adrenergic receptors are activated in the cardiopulmonary manifestations induced by Bot III. Indeed, the muscarinic receptor appears to be more involved than the nicotinic one, and the β1 adrenergic receptor seems to dominate the β2 receptor. These results showed also that the activation of nicotinic receptor leads to a significant protection of animals against Bot III toxin effect. These findings supply a supplementary data leading to better understanding of the mechanism triggered by scorpionic neurotoxins and suggest the use of drugs targeting these receptors, especially the nicotinic one in order to counteract the inflammatory response observed in scorpion envenomation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the detailed chemical, immunological and pharmacological characterization of the α-toxin Bot IX from the Moroccan scorpion Buthus occitanus tunetanus venom. Bot IX, which consists of 70 amino acids, is a highly atypical toxin. It carries a unique N-terminal sequence extension and is highly lethal in mice. Voltage clamp recordings on oocytes expressing rat Nav1.2 or insect BgNav1 reveal that, similar to other α-like toxins, Bot IX inhibits fast inactivation of both variants. Moreover, Bot IX belongs to the same structural/immunological group as the α-like toxin Bot I. Remarkably, radioiodinated Bot IX competes efficiently with the classical α-toxin AaH II from Androctonus australis, and displays one of the highest affinities for Nav channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium (K + ) channels are trans-membrane proteins, which play a key role in cellular excitability and signal transduction pathways. Scorpion toxins blocking the ion-conducting pore from the external side have been invaluable probes to elucidate the structural, functional, and physio-pathological characteristics of these ion channels. This review will focus on the interaction between K + channels and their peptide blockers isolated from the venom of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus , which is considered as the most dangerous scorpion in Brazil, in particular in Minas-Gerais State, where many casualties are described each year. The primary mechanisms of action of these K + blockers will be discussed in correlation with their structure, very often non-canonical compared to those of other well known K + channels blockers purified from other scorpion venoms. Also, special attention will be brought to the most recent data obtained by proteomic and transcriptomic analyses on Tityus serrulatus venoms and venom glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Channelopathies due to the brain ion channel dysfunction is considered to be an important mechanism involved in various neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we evaluated the ability of kaliotoxin (KTX) as K channel blocker to induce neuro-inflammatory response and neurodegenerative alteration. We also investigate the effects of astaxanthin (ATX) against KTX disorders. Material and treatment: NMRI mice were injected with KTX (1 pg/kg, by i.c.v route) with or without pretreatment using ATX (80 mg/kg, o.p route). Results: Results showed that KTX was detected in cerebral cortex area due to its binding to the specific receptors (immunofluorescence analysis). It induced an activation of inflammatory cascade characterized by an increase of IL-6, TNFα, NO, MDA levels and NF-κB expression associated to a decrease of GSH level. The neuroinflammatory response is accompanied with cerebral alterations and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. The use of ATX prior to the KTX exerts a preventive effect not only on the neuroinflammation but also on altered tissues and the BBB disruption. Conclusions: Kaliotoxin is able to induce neurological disorders by blocking the K ion channel, and ATX suppresses this alterations with down regulation of IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB expression in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bradykinins are released from kininogen by kallikrein. They increase capillary lung permeability after their binding to β1 and especially β2 receptors before being metabolized by kininase enzyme. This study was performed to evaluate cardiopulmonary damages and inflammatory response on injected rats with Aah I toxin of scorpion venom and the involvement of Kallikrein-Kinin system in this pathogenesis. Obtained results revealed that Aah I toxin induces inflammatory cell infiltration accompanied by cellular peroxidase activities, a release of cytokine levels, pulmonary and myocardial damage, with altered metabolic activities and imbalanced redox status. Administration of aprotinin (bradykinin inhibitor) and especially icatibant (bradykinin β2 receptor antagonist) seemed to be able to protect animals against the toxicity of Aah I; nevertheless, the use of captopril (kininase II inhibitor) reduced partially some cardiac disorders. These findings indicate that the kallikrein-kinin system may contribute to the physiopathological effect and lung edema formation induced by toxin, which suggests a potential use of drugs with significant anti-kinin properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal toxins that inhibit voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channel fast inactivation can do so through an interaction with the S3b-S4 helix-turn-helix region, or paddle motif, located in the domain IV voltage sensor. Here, we used surface plasmon resonance (SPR), an optical approach that uses polarized light to measure the refractive index near a sensor surface to which a molecule of interest is attached, to analyze interactions between the isolated domain IV paddle and Nav channel-selective a-scorpion toxins. Our SPR analyses showed that the domain IV paddle can be removed from the Nav channel and immobilized on sensor chips, and suggest that the isolated motif remains susceptible to animal toxins that target the domain IV voltage sensor. As such, our results uncover the inherent pharmacological sensitivities of the isolated domain IV paddle motif, which may be exploited to develop a label-free SPR approach for discovering ligands that target this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Even though Buthus occitanus scorpions are found throughout the Mediterranean region, a lack of distinctive characteristics has hampered their classification into different subspecies. Yet, stings from this particular scorpion family are reported each year to result in pain followed by various toxic symptoms. In order to determine the toxicity origin of the rare French B. occitanus Amoreux scorpion, we collected several specimens and studied their venom composition using a nano ultra high performance liquid chromatography and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (nano UHPLC/MALDI-TOF-MS) automated workflow combined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) approach. Moreover, we compared this dataset to that obtained from highly lethal Androctonus australis and Androctonus mauretanicus scorpions collected in North Africa. As a result, we found that the B. occitanus Amoreux venom is toxic to mice, an observation that is most likely caused by venom components that inhibit voltage-gated sodium channel inactivation. Moreover, we identified similarities in venom composition between B. occitanus scorpions living in the South of France and other Buthidae collected in Morocco and Algeria. As such, the results of this study should be taken into consideration when treating stings from the B. occitanus species living in the South of France. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The availability of a large variety of specific blockers, which inhibit different K+ currents, would help to elucidate their differences in physiological function. Short peptide toxins isolated from scorpion venoms are able to block voltage-dependent or Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Here, we have studied the venom of the Moroccan scorpion Buthus occitanus Paris (BoP) in order to find new peptides, which could enlarge our structure–function relationship knowledge on the Kv1.3 blocker Kaliotoxin (KTX) that belongs to the α-KTx3.1 family. Indeed and since more a decade, KTX is widely used by international investigators because it exhibits a quite sharp specificity and a high-affinity for the Kv1.3 channel, which is not only a neuronal channel but also a therapeutic target for diverse autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. The BoP venom was first investigated using HPLC and MALDI-TOF/MS. Further, the HPLC fractions were screened by ELISA with antibodies raised against KTX. These antibodies recognized at least three components toxic in mice by intracerebroventricular injection. They were further pharmacologically characterized by competition using 125I-KTX bound to its specific binding sites on rat brain synaptosomes. A single component (4161 Da) inhibited totally the 125I-KTX binding and with high-affinity (IC50 = 0.1 nM), while the two other components poorly competed with (IC50 > 100 nM). These toxins were sequenced in full by Edman's degradation. The high-affinity ligand (BoPKTX) shares 86% sequence identity with KTX and was classified as toxin α-KTx3.17. The two others peptides (BoP1 and BoP2, 4093 Da and 4121 Da, respectively) only differ by a Lys/Arg mutation. Their amino acid sequences were related to Martentoxin, which has been characterized from the Chinese scorpion Buthus martenzi Karch and described as both a BKCa and Kv1.3 blocker. Accordingly, they belong to the α-KTx16 family. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During the past decade mass spectrometry (MS) has become one of the major suitable techniques for peptide and protein analysis from animal venoms, not only to identify new toxins within these complex mixtures, but also for toxin structural studies. The goal of the experiments presented here was to test the ultimate limit for producing scorpion venom mass fingerprinting (VMF; i.e. a comprehensive list of all masses in presence). Thanks to recent developments in nano ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS), we sought the experimental conditions for setting up an automated data acquisition workflow. As the main result, we demonstrate the possibility to easily achieve VMF having in hand only tens of nanogram of venom. ELISA on-line was also beneficial to monitor in the picogram range for toxin families using specific antisera raised against major toxins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

K+ channels selectively transport K+ ions across cell membranes and play a key role in regulating the physiology of excitable and nonexcitable cells. Their activation allows the cell to repolarize after action potential firing and reduces excitability, whereas channel inhibition increases excitability. In eukaryotes, the pharmacology and pore topology of several structural classes of K+ channels have been well characterized in the past two decades. This information has come about through the extensive use of scorpion toxins. We have participated in the isolation and in the characterization of several structurally distinct families of scorpion toxin peptides exhibiting different K+ channel blocking functions. In particular, the venom from the Moroccan scorpion Androctonus mauretanicus mauretanicus provided several high-affinity blockers selective for diverse K+ channels (SKCa, Kv4.x, and Kv1.x K+ channel families). In this paper, we summarize our work on these toxin/channel interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study analyzes the involvement of the endogenous opioid system in the antinociceptive effects produced in mammals after α- or β- scorpion toxin injections. The analgesic effects on mice of the α-anatoxin Amm VIII, a weak modulator of Nav1.2 channel, and the depressant insect-selective β-toxin LqqIT2 were evaluated by intraperitoneal route. The two toxins increased hot plate and tail flick latencies in a dose-dependent manner. We also compared the effects of the toxins with those obtained after acetic acid administration or cold-water tail immersion, which both induce pain relief through the activation of diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC) and the release of endogenous opioids. The increased latencies obtained with the toxins, acetic acid, or cold-water tail immersion were partly reversed by the co-administration of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. Finally, AmmVIII, LqqIT2, or acetic acid, induced increased c-fos mRNA expression in spinal cord. This increase disappeared when the toxins were co-injected with acetic acid. In conclusion, we show for the first time that an α-anatoxin exhibits a potent analgesic activity and confirm that depressant β-toxins are able to reduce nociception. We hypothesize that pain relief induced by these scorpion toxins may implicate the activation of an endogenous opioid system and may be partly the result of a counter irritation phenomenon, which could be due to the activation of DNIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage-activated sodium (Nav) channels are crucial for the generation and propagation of nerve impulses, and as such are widely targeted by toxins and drugs. The four voltage sensors in Nav channels have distinct amino acid sequences, raising fundamental questions about their relative contributions to the function and pharmacology of the channel. Here we use four-fold symmetric voltage-activated potassium (Kv) channels as reporters to examine the contributions of individual S3b–S4 paddle motifs within Nav channel voltage sensors to the kinetics of voltage sensor activation and to forming toxin receptors. Our results uncover binding sites for toxins from tarantula and scorpion venom on each of the four paddle motifs in Nav channels, and reveal how paddle-specific interactions can be used to reshape Nav channel activity. One paddle motif is unique in that it slows voltage sensor activation, and toxins selectively targeting this motif impede Nav channel inactivation. This reporter approach and the principles that emerge will be useful in developing new drugs for treating pain and Nav channelopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, we used a panel prokaryote/eukaryote K+ channel chimeras to generate K+ channel arrays. Their behaviour in solution was compared with that when spotted on a nitrocellulose-supported film and their responses to selective high affinity ligands, including polypeptide toxins and TEA, were studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In general, scorpion β-toxins have been well examined. However, few in-depth studies have been devoted to species selectivity and affinity comparisons on the different voltage-activated Na+ channels since they have become available as cloned channels that can be studied in heterologous expression systems. As a result, their classification is largely historical and dates from early in vivo experiments on mice and cockroach and fly larvae. In this study, we aimed to provide an updated overview of selectivity and affinity of scorpion β-toxins towards voltage-activated Na+ channels of vertebrates or invertebrates. As pharmacological tools, we used the classic β-toxins AaHIT, Css II, Css IV, Css VI and Ts VII and tested them on the neuronal vertebrate voltage-activated Na+ channel, rNav1.2a. For comparison, its invertebrate counterpart, DmNav1, was also tested. Both these channels were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and the currents measured with the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique. We supplemented this data with several binding displacement studies on rat brain synaptosomes. The results lead us to propose a general classification and a novel nomenclature of scorpion β-toxins based on pharmacological activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: From the venom of the scorpion Androctonus australis, we have isolated a new bioactive polypeptide termed AaBTX-L1. When tested on the insect voltage-gated Na+ channel (para) of the fruit fly, this toxin was able to induce a clear shift in activation (V 1/2), resulting in the opening of the channel at more negative membrane potentials. Furthermore, AaBTX-L1 was totally devoid of toxicity when injected into mice intracerebroventricularly and did not compete with radiolabeled voltage-gated K+ and Na+ channel toxins in binding experiments on rat brain synaptosomes. Using its N-terminal amino acid sequence to design degenerate primers, several clones were amplified by PCR from the A. australis venom gland cDNA library. As a consequence, seven full oligonucleotide sequences encoding “long-chain” polypeptides with only three disulfide bridges have been cloned for the first time and are described here. Remarkably, they share high similarity with the anti-insect toxin Birtoxin from Parabuthus transvaalicus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: LqqIT2 is a depressant neurotoxin present in the venom of the Leiurus quinquestriatus quinquestriatus scorpion, one of the world''s most dangerous scorpions endemic to dry habitats in Africa and Asia. In order to determine its efficacy, potency and selectivity, LqqIT2 was subjected for the first time to an electrophysiological and pharmacological comparison between two different cloned sodium channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Aside from typical β-toxin effects, LqqIT2 also affected the inactivation process and ion selectivity of the insect voltage-gated sodium channel. The most interesting feature of LqqIT2 is its total insect-selectivity. At a concentration of 1μM, the insect-voltage-gated sodium channel, para, was profoundly modulated while its mammalian counterpart, the rat brain Nav1.2 channel, was not affected. This trait offers excellent prospects for the development of novel insecticides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The α-subunits of Kv1 channels display characteristic distributions and restricted co-assembly in mammalian brain. The heterogeneous composition of Kv1 channels has made it difficult to use specific toxins to label brain structures. We used autoradiography to analyse the competitive behaviour of three Kv1 channel toxins—α-dendrotoxin, kaliotoxin, and mast cell degranulating peptide—for binding to kaliotoxin binding sites in various brain structures. IC50 varied considerably between brain regions (by up to three orders of magnitude) for each ligand. α-dendrotoxin and kaliotoxin competed equally in some regions and to different extents in others, identifying two types of structure. Mast cell degranulating peptide competed with 125I-kaliotoxin less efficiently than α-dendrotoxin and kaliotoxin, in all regions. Thus, differences in the capacity of these three toxins to bind to kaliotoxin binding sites provide evidence of major differences in the composition of the Kv1 channels constituting the kaliotoxin binding sites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BmTX3 is a toxin recently characterised from the venom of the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensi Karch, which specifically blocks a transient A-type K+ current in striatum neurons in culture and binds to rat brain synaptosomes with high affinity. With Aa1 and AmmTX3, it belongs to the new α-KTx15 subfamily from ‘short-chain’ scorpion toxins, which specifically block different types of K+ channels. Here, a highly specific polyclonal antiserum was raised in rabbit against a C-terminal deleted BmTX3 analogue (BmTX-del YP). Using liquid-phase radioimmunoassay, we have studied its selectivity for the toxins from the α-KTx15 subfamily. We have also demonstrated that no/or poor cross-reactivity was observed with a panel of ‘short-chain’ scorpion toxins representative of other structurally different subfamilies. These results suggest that a wide antigenic polymorphism, similar to that previously observed for ‘long-chain’ scorpion toxins acting as modulators of voltage-activated Na+ channels, is also the rule for the ‘short-chain’ scorpion toxins able to block K+ channels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Describes the purification and biochemical characterization of afaacytin, an alpha, beta-fibrinogenase from Cerastes cerastes venom. Serotonin release from human blood platelets; Platelet aggregation; Gel filtration; Absence of reduction or/and deglycosylation; Structural cohesion of the afaacytin molecule.

A cDNA encoding the Androctonus australis Hector insect toxin 1 (AaH IT1) was expressed in yeast leading to secretion of fully biologically active protein. Three different multicopy plasmids were constructed using PCR. Expression was directed by the strong PGK' promoter of the yeast vector pMA 91. Plasmid pMA 91-AaH IT1 encodes AaH IT1 and its own signal peptide. In the two other constructions, the cDNA encoding the mature part of AaH IT, is fused to the prepro-signal sequence of the yeast α-mating-factor precursor; the pBAL 7-α-KREAEA-AaH IT1 includes the cDNA sequence encoding the KR(EAEA) processing sequence of the α-mating factor, and pBAL 7-α-KR-AaH IT1 encodes the KR fused directly to the AaH IT1 gene. The yeast α-mating-factor signal peptide launched the pro-α-mating-factor-AaH IT1 fusion protein into the secretory pathway. The fusion proteins are expected to be cleaved in the Golgi by the KEX2 endopeptidase and the STE13 dipeptidyl aminopeptidase, leading to release of mature AaH IT1. Pulse/chase labelling of transformed yeast protoplasts, followed by SDS/PAGE analysis of proteins immunoprecipitated from either the lysate or the extracellular fluid, showed that AaH IT1 was produced. The highest concentration of recombinant AaH IT1 in the culture medium, as determined using a 125I-AaH IT1 specific radioimmunoassay, was 4 μg/I (0.5 nM). The recombinant toxin was fully biologically active against cockroaches as assessed by injection and comparison to native AaH IT1. Moreover, it competed with radiolabelled native toxin for its receptor on the voltage-sensitive Na+ channel with a dissociation constant of 0.5 nM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which investigated the resistance of the scorpion Androctonus australis to its own venom and to the venom of other species. Materials and methods; Results and discussion.

Four peptidyl inhibitors of the small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SKca) have been isolated from the venom of the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensi. These peptides were identified by screening C18 HPLC fractions of the crude venom by means of mass analysis by matrix-assisted-laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and toxicological tests in mice. Edman degradation analysis of the purified peptides showed sequences of 28–31 amino acids including 6 cysteine residues. Three of the sequences were similar to the P01 peptides from Androctonus scorpions, showing 76% sequence similarity for the most closely related, named BmP01. and 46% for the other two, named BmP02 and BmP03. Like the P01 peptides, these molecules showed a low toxic activity in mice after intracerebro-ventricular injection, and competed (K0.5 > 1 μM) with iodinated apamin for binding to its receptor site from rat brain, which has been proved to be the SKca channels. The fourth toxin was structurally related to the P05/leiurotixin I toxin family, with 90% similarity, and was named BmP05. This toxin exhibited a high toxic activity with lethal effects in mice. Due to its small representation in the venom [less than 0.01% (by mass)], its biological properties have been assessed on the synthetic analogue of BmP05. which was assembled on a solid phase by means of Fmoc methodology. The synthetic peptide was physicochemically identical to the natural peptide, as shown by comparison of their molecular masses and amino acid compositions, and by their coelution after coinjection on capillary electrophoresis. These results confirmed the primary structure of BmP05 including an amidated C-terminus. Similarly to natural BmP05, synthetic BmP05 produced toxic and lethal effects after intracerebroventricular injection in mice (LD50 = 37 rig). and was able to compete with iodinated apamin for binding to its receptor in rat brain (K0.5 = 20 pM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Neurotoxin Aah II isolated from Androctonusaustralis hector (Aah) venom was successfully entrapped in chitosan-TPP nanoparticles. • The nanosystem obtained was characterized for its physicochemical and biological features. • Nanoentrapped Aah II was used as an immune formulation in a murine immunization protocole. • Aah II immune nanoformulation was able to elicit both innate and adaptive anti-toxin immune responses. • Vaccinated animals acquired a protective status and withstood a lethal dose up to 8 LD 50 of native toxin. In recent years, biodegradable polymers based nanoparticles received high interest for the development of vaccine delivery vehicles. In this study, chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating Aah II toxin (AahII-CNPs) isolated from Androctonus australis hector venom, were investigated as vaccine delivery system. Particles obtained by ionotropic gelation were characterized for their size, surface charge, morphology and toxin release profile from Aah II-CNPs. Toxin-nanoparticles interactions were assessed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and X-Ray Diffraction. An immunization protocol was designed in mice to investigate anti-toxin immunity and the protective status induced by different Aah II immune formulations. Unloaded chitosan nanoparticles presenting a spherical shape and smooth surface, were characterized by a size of 185 nm, a dispersion index (PDI) of 0.257 and a zeta potential of +34.6 mV. Aah II toxin was successfully entrapped into chitosan nanoparticles as revealed by FTIR and XRD data. Entrapment efficiency (EE) and Loading capacity (LC) were respectively of 96.66 and 33.5%. Aah II-CNPs had a diameter of 208 nm, a PDI of 0.23 and a zeta potential of +30 mV. Encapsulation of Aah II reduced its toxicity and protected mice until 10 LD 50. Mice were immunized via a dual prime-boost scheme. Nanoentrapped Aah II immunogen elicited systemic innate and humoral immune responses as well as local spleen parenchyma hyperplasic alterations. Aah II-CNPs immunized mice withstood high lethal doses of native Aah II, one-month post-boost inoculation. This study provided encouraging and promising results for the development of preventive therapies against scorpion envenoming mainly for the populations at-risk. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of their venom lethality towards mammals, scorpions of the Androctonus genus are considered a critical threat to human health in North Africa. Several decades of exploration have led to a comprehensive inventory of their venom components at chemical, pharmacological, and immunological levels. Typically, these venoms contain selective and high affinity ligands for the voltage-gated sodium (Nav) and potassium (Kv) channels that dictate cellular excitability. In the well-studied Androctonus australis and Androctonus mauretanicus venoms, almost all the lethality in mammals is due to the so-called α-toxins. These peptides commonly delay the fast inactivation process of Nav channels, which leads to increased sodium entry and a subsequent cell membrane depolarization. Markedly, their neutralization by specific antisera has been shown to completely inhibit the venom's lethal activity, because they are not only the most abundant venom peptide but also the most fatal. However, the structural and antigenic polymorphisms in the α-toxin family pose challenges to the design of efficient serotherapies. In this review, we discuss past and present accomplishments to improve serotherapy against Androctonus scorpion stings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Androctonus australis is primarily involved in envenomations in North Africa, notably in Tunisia and Algeria, and constitutes a significant public health problem in this region. The toxicity of the venom is mainly due to various neurotoxins that belong to two distinct structural and immunological groups, group I (the AahI and AahIII toxins) and group II (AahII). Here, we report the use of a diabody mixture in which the molar ratio matches the characteristics of toxins and polymorphism of the venom. The mixture consists of the Db9C2 diabody (anti-group I) and the Db4C1op diabody (anti-AahII), the latter being modified to facilitate in vitro production and purification. The effectiveness of the antivenom was tested in vivo under conditions simulating scorpion envenomation. The intraperitoneal injection of 30 μg of the diabody mixture protected almost all the mice exposed to 3 LD50 s.c. of venom. We also show that the presence of both diabodies is necessary for the animals to survive. Our results are the first demonstration of the strong protective power of small quantities of antivenom used in the context of severe envenomation with crude venom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level of expression of ion channels has been demonstrated to vary over a threefold to fourfold range from neuron to neuron, although the expression of distinct channels may be strongly correlated in the same neurons.Wedemonstrate that variability and covariation also apply to the biophysical properties of ion channels. We show that, in rat substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neurons, the voltage dependences of the A-type (IA) and H-type (IH) currents exhibit a high degree of cell-to-cell variability, although they are strongly correlated in these cells. Our data also demonstrate that this cell-to-cell covariability of voltage dependences is sensitive to cytosoliccAMP and calcium levels. Finally, using dynamic clamp, we demonstrate that covarying IA and IH voltage dependences increases the dynamic range of rebound firing while covarying their amplitudes has a homeostatic effect on rebound firing. We propose that the covariation of voltage dependences of ion channels represents a flexible and energy-efficient way of tuning firing in neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Menthol is a natural compound of plant origin known to produce cool sensation via the activation of the TRPM8 channel. It is also frequently part of topical analgesic drugs available in a pharmacy, although its mechanism of action is still unknown. Compelling evidence indicates that voltage-gated Na+ channels are critical for experiencing pain sensation. We tested the hypothesis that menthol may block voltage-gated Na+ channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. By use of a patch clamp, we evaluated the effects of menthol application on tetrodotoxin (TTX)-resistant Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 channel subtypes in DRG neurons, and on TTX-sensitive Na+ channels in immortalized DRG neuron-derived F11 cells. The results indicate that menthol inhibits Na+ channels in a concentration-, voltage-, and frequency-dependent manner. Menthol promoted fast and slow inactivation states, causing use-dependent depression of Na+ channel activity. In current clamp recordings, menthol inhibited firing at high-frequency stimulation with minimal effects on normal neuronal activity. We found that low concentrations of menthol cause analgesia in mice, relieving pain produced by a Na+ channel-targeting toxin. We conclude that menthol is a state-selective blocker of Nav1.8, Nav1.9, and TTX-sensitive Na+ channels, indicating a role for Na+ channel blockade in the efficacy of menthol as topical analgesic compound. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The voltage-activated sodium (Nav) channel Nav1.9 is expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons where it is believed to play an important role in nociception. Progress in revealing the functional properties and pharmacological sensitivities of this non-canonical Nav channel has been slow because attempts to express this channel in a heterologous expression system have been unsuccessful. Here, we use a protein engineering approach to dissect the contributions of the four Nav1.9 voltage sensors to channel function and pharmacology. We define individual S3b-S4 paddle motifs within each voltage sensor, and show that they can sense changes in membrane voltage and drive voltage sensor activation when transplanted into voltage-activated potassium channels. We also find that the paddle motifs in Nav1.9 are targeted by animal toxins, and that these toxins alter Nav1.9-mediated currents in DRG neurons. Our results demonstrate that slowly activating and inactivating Nav1.9 channels have functional and pharmacological properties in common with canonical Nav channels, but also show distinctive pharmacological sensitivities that can potentially be exploited for developing novel treatments for pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Immunotherapy is the only effective treatment for scorpion stings. However the efficiency of this treatment varies depending on the forms of the antibodies and route of administration used. The antibodies are mostly injected as F(ab´)2 fragments. In this study, we investigated damage to the heart and lung tissue and the inflammatory response caused by Androctonus australis hector venom, its toxic fraction after molecular filtration or the isolated main alpha toxin (Aah II) in the presence or absence of different antibody molecules. A mixture of antibody fragments, F(ab´)2 and Fab, significantly reduced local leukocytosis, hemorrhage and inflammatory oedema induced by the A. australis hector venom and its toxins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: While α-KTx peptides are generally known for their modulation of the Shaker-type and the Ca2+-activated potassium channels, γ-KTxs are associated with hERG channels modulation. An exception to the rule is BmTx3 which belongs to subfamily α-KTx15 and can block hERG channels. To explain the peculiar behavior of BmTx3, a tentative “hot spot” formed of 2 basic residues (R18 and K19) was suggested but never further studied [Huys I, et al. BmTx3, a scorpion toxin with two putative functional faces separately active on A-type K+ and HERG currents. Biochem J 2004;378:745–52]. In this work, we investigated if the “hot spot” is a commonality in subfamily α-KTx15 by testing the effect of (AmmTx3, Aa1, discrepin). Furthermore, single mutations altering the “hot spot” in discrepin, have introduced for the very first time a hERG blocking activity to a previously non-active α-KTx. Additionally, we could extend our results to other α-KTx subfamily members belonging to α-KTx1, 4 and 6, therefore, the “hot spot” represents a common pharmacophore serving as a predictive tool for yet to be discovered α-KTxs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Inward-rectifier potassium channels gated by the direct action of G proteins are activated or inhibited by numerous neurotransmitters and they modulate neuronal excitability. Using an olfactory associative task, the effect of Kir3.1 subunit knockdown was tested on learning and memory. Repeated intracerebroventricular injections of antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide to the Kir3.1 subunit significantly reduced hippocampal expression of its mRNA target determined by Western blotting. The antisense knockdown had no effect on locomotor and drinking activity or on attention processes. The reduction in Kir3.1 subunit impaired the learning of the odor associations and the procedural side of the task. This reduction correlated with the performance impairment. The results suggest that Kir3.1 channel activity is implicated in the memory processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aa1 is a toxin purified from the venom of the North African scorpion Androctonus australis. It blocks fast K+ currents in cerebellar granular cells [Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1468 (2000) 203]. Two full-length cDNAs (about 250 bp) encoding the precursors of putative Aa1 isoforms (AaTX1 and AaTX2) were amplified by PCR from a venom gland cDNA library of A. australis. The deduced precursors were composed of 59 amino acid residues including a signal peptide of 22 residues and a mature toxin of 37 residues. The peptides display 94% sequence identity with Aa1. Intron–exon organisation of the gene corresponding to theAaTX1 cDNAs was also depicted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reports that three novel toxins belonging to the scorpion K+ channel-inhibitor family were purified to homogeneity from the venom of the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensi. Process of purification of the toxins; Physicochemical characterization of the toxins; Effects of Bm toxins on voltage-gated K+ channels; Effects of Bm toxins on BKCa channels.

A potent insecticidal toxin, β/δ - PrIT1, molecular mass of 5598.86 [M + H] + , was characterized from Phoneutria reidyi spider venom. Its partial amino acid sequence showed high similarity with insecticidal spider toxins from the genus Phoneutria . β/δ-PrIT1 was very toxic (LD 50 = 4 nmol/g) to flies ( Musca domestica ), but not to mice ( Mus musculus ). Kinetic studies showed that 125 I-β/δ-PrIT1 binds to two distinct sites in insect sodium channels, with close affinity (Kd 1 = 34.7 pM and Kd 2 = 35.1 pM). Its association is rather fast (t 1/2(1) = 1.4 min, t 1/2(2) = 8.5 min) and its dissociation is a slower process (t 1/2(1) = 5.4 min, t 1/2(2) = 32.8 min). On rat brain synaptosomes β/δ-PrIT1 partially competed (∼30%) with the beta-toxin 125 I-CssIV, but did not compete with the alpha-toxin of reference 125 I-AaII, nor with the beta-toxin 125 I-TsVII. On cockroach nerve cord synaptosomes, β/δ-PrIT1 did not compete with the anti-insect toxin 125 I-LqqIT1, but it competed (IC 50 = 80 pM) with the “alpha-like” toxin 125 I-BomIV. In cockroach neurons, β/δ-PrIT1 inhibited the inactivation of Nav-channels and it shifted the sodium channel activation to hyperpolarizing potentials. These results indicate two different binding sites for β/δ-PrIT1, leading to two different pharmacological responses. β/δ-PrIT1 is one of the most toxic spider toxins to insects without apparent toxicity to mammals, and provide new model for the development of insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the nucleus of the tractus solitarii (NTS), a large proportion of neurones express transient A-type potassium currents ( I) having deep influence on the fidelity of the synaptic transmission of the visceral primary afferent inputs to second-order neurones. Up to now, the strong impact of I within the NTS was considered to result exclusively from its variation in amplitude, and its molecular correlate(s) remained unknown. In order to identify which K channels underlie I in NTS neurones, the gating properties and the pharmacology of this current were determined using whole cell patch clamp recordings in slices. Complementary information was brought by immunohistochemistry. Strikingly, two neurone subpopulations characterized by fast or slow inactivation time courses (respectively about 50 and 200 ms) were discriminated. Both characteristics matched those of the K4 channel subfamily. The other gating properties, also matching the K4 channel ones, were homogeneous through the NTS. The activation and inactivation occurred at membrane potentials around the threshold for generating action potentials, and the time course of recovery from inactivation was rapid. Pharmacologically, I in NTS neurones was found to be resistant to tetraethylammonium (TEA), sea anemone toxin blood-depressing substance (BDS) and dendrotoxin (DTX), whereas Androctonus mauretanicus mauretanicus toxin 3 (AmmTX3), a scorpion toxin of the α-KTX 15 family that has been shown to block all the members of the K4 family, inhibited 80 % of I irrespectively of its inactivation time course. Finally, immunohistochemistry data suggested that, among the K4 channel subfamily, K4.3 is the prevalent subunit expressed in the NTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage-gated Na(+) channels (Nav) are the targets of a variety of scorpion toxins. Here, we investigated the effects of Amm VIII, a toxin isolated from the venom of the scorpion Androctonus mauretanicus mauretanicus, on pain-related behaviours in mice. The effects of Amm VIII were compared with the classic scorpion α-toxin AaH II from Androctonus australis. Contrary to AaH II, intraplantar injection of Amm VIII at relatively high concentrations caused little nocifensive behaviours. However, Amm VIII induced rapid mechanical and thermal pain hypersensitivities. We evaluated the toxins' effects on Nav currents in nociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and immortalized DRG neuron-derived F11 cells. Amm VIII and AaH II enhanced tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) Nav currents in DRG and F11 cells. Both toxins impaired fast inactivation and negatively shifted activation. AaH II was more potent than Amm VIII at modulating TTX-S Nav currents with EC50 of 5 nM and 1 μM, respectively. AaH II and Amm VIII also impaired fast inactivation of Nav1.7, with EC50 of 6.8 nM and 1.76 μM, respectively. Neither Nav1.8 nor Nav1.9 was affected by the toxins. AaH II and Amm VIII reduced first spike latency and lowered action potential threshold. Amm VIII was less efficient than AaH II in increasing the gain of the firing frequency-stimulation relationship. In conclusion, our data show that Amm VIII, although less potent than AaH II, acts as a gating-modifier peptide reminiscent of classic α-toxins, and suggest that its hyperalgesic effects can be ascribed to gain-of-function of TTX-S Na(+) channels in nociceptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Voltage-gated Na+ channels (Nav) are the targets of a variety of scorpion toxins. Here, we investigated the effects of Amm VIII, a toxin isolated from the venom of the scorpion Androctonus mauretanicus mauretanicus, on pain-related behaviours in mice. The effects of Amm VIII were compared with the classic scorpion α-toxin AaH II from Androctonus australis. Contrary to AaH II, intraplantar injection of Amm VIII at relatively high concentrations caused little nocifensive behaviours. However, Amm VIII induced rapid mechanical and thermal pain hypersensitivities. We evaluated the toxins’ effects on Nav currents in nociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and immortalized DRG neuron-derived F11 cells. Amm VIII and AaH II enhanced tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) Nav currents in DRG and F11 cells. Both toxins impaired fast inactivation and negatively shifted activation. AaH II was more potent than Amm VIII at modulating TTX-S Nav currents with EC50 of 5nM and 1μM, respectively. AaH II and Amm VIII also impaired fast inactivation of Nav1.7, with EC50 of 6.8nM and 1.76μM, respectively. Neither Nav1.8 nor Nav1.9 was affected by the toxins. AaH II and Amm VIII reduced first spike latency and lowered action potential threshold. Amm VIII was less efficient than AaH II in increasing the gain of the firing frequency-stimulation relationship. In conclusion, our data show that Amm VIII, although less potent than AaH II, acts as a gating-modifier peptide reminiscent of classic α-toxins, and suggest that its hyperalgesic effects can be ascribed to gain-of-function of TTX-S Na+ channels in nociceptors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Key points AmmTX3, a member of the α-KTX15 family of scorpion toxins, efficiently and specifically blocks the subthreshold-operating A-type K+ current in cerebellar granule neurons from wild-type mice but not in neurons from mice lacking the Kv4 channel-associated protein DPP6., In heterologous cells high-affinity blockade of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 channels by AmmTX3 requires the presence of the associated proteins DPP6 and DPP10., These results validate AmmTX3 as a specific blocker of Kv4 channels in CNS neurons and explain the discrepancy between previous observations in neurons and heterologous cells., They contribute a powerful tool to investigate the physiological role of A-type K+ currents, believed to be important in dendritic integration and plasticity and to be involved in a number of diseases., Our results demonstrate that, in addition to changing the kinetics and voltage dependence of Kv4 channel complexes, DDP-like Kv4-associated proteins also affect their pharmacological profile., Abstract K+ channels containing Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 pore-forming subunits mediate most of the subthreshold-operating somatodendritic A-type K+ current in CNS neurons. These channels are believed to be important in regulating the frequency of repetitive firing, the backpropagation of action potential into dendrites, and dendritic integration and plasticity. Moreover, they have been implicated in several diseases from pain to epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders. The lack of toxins that specifically and efficiently block these channels has hampered studies aimed at confirming their functional role and their involvement in disease. AmmTX3 and other related members of the α-KTX15 family of scorpion toxins have been shown to block the A-type K+ current in cultured neurons, but their specificity has been questioned because the toxins do not efficiently block the currents mediated by Kv4.2 or Kv4.3 subunits expressed in heterologous cells. Here we show that the high-affinity blockade of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 channels by AmmTX3 depends on the presence of the auxiliary subunits DPP6 and DPP10. These proteins are thought to be components of the Kv4 channel complex in neurons and to be important for channel expression in dendrites. These studies validate the use of AmmTX3 as a blocker of the Kv4-mediated A-type K+ current in neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Old World scorpion Androctonus australis hector (Aah) produces one of the most lethal venoms for humans. Peptidic α-toxins AahI to AahIV are responsible for its potency, with AahII accounting for half of it. All four toxins are high affinity blockers of the fast inactivation phase of mammalian voltage activated Na+ channels. However, the high antigenic polymorphism of α-toxins prevents production of a polyvalent neutralizing antiserum, whereas the determinants dictating their trapping by neutralizing antibodies remain elusive. From an anti-AahII mAb, we generated an antigen binding fragment (Fab) with high affinity and selectivity for AahII and solved a 2.3 Å-resolution crystal structure of the complex. Sequestering of the C-terminal region of the bound toxin within a groove formed by the Fab combining loops is associated with a toxin orientation and main and side chain conformations that dictate the AahII antigenic specificity and efficient neutralization. From an anti-AahI mAb, we also preformed and crystallized a high affinity AahI-Fab complex. The 1.6 Å-resolution structure solved revealed a Fab molecule devoid of a bound AahI and with combining loops involved in packing interactions, denoting expulsion of the bound antigen upon crystal formation. Comparative analysis of the groove-like combining site of the toxin unbound anti-AahI Fab along with complementary data from a flexible docking approach suggests occurrence of distinctive trapping orientations for the two toxins relative to their respective Fab. This study provides complementary templates for designing new molecules aimed at capturing Aah α-toxins and suitable for immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menthol is a natural compound of plant origin known to produce cool sensation via the activation of the TRPM8 channel. It is also frequently part of topical analgesic drugs available in a pharmacy, although its mechanism of action is still unknown. Compelling evidence indicates that voltage-gated Na(+) channels are critical for experiencing pain sensation. We tested the hypothesis that menthol may block voltage-gated Na(+) channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. By use of a patch clamp, we evaluated the effects of menthol application on tetrodotoxin (TTX)-resistant Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 channel subtypes in DRG neurons, and on TTX-sensitive Na(+) channels in immortalized DRG neuron-derived F11 cells. The results indicate that menthol inhibits Na(+) channels in a concentration-, voltage-, and frequency-dependent manner. Menthol promoted fast and slow inactivation states, causing use-dependent depression of Na(+) channel activity. In current clamp recordings, menthol inhibited firing at high-frequency stimulation with minimal effects on normal neuronal activity. We found that low concentrations of menthol cause analgesia in mice, relieving pain produced by a Na(+) channel-targeting toxin. We conclude that menthol is a state-selective blocker of Nav1.8, Nav1.9, and TTX-sensitive Na(+) channels, indicating a role for Na(+) channel blockade in the efficacy of menthol as topical analgesic compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The venom of the North African scorpion Androctonus amoreuxi (Aam) was analyzed using a combination of gel filtration, C18 reverse phase HPLC together with mass spectrometry analysis and bioassays. Three novel Birtoxin-like (BTX-L) peptides of 58 amino acid residues comprising three disulfide bridges were isolated and chemically characterized. One peptide, AamBTX-L3, induced serious toxic symptoms in mice and was lethal at nanogram quantities using intracerebroventricular injection. The three BTX-L peptides were tested in competition experiments on rat brain synaptosomes against the 125I-labeled “classical” α- and β-toxins of reference, as well as with the 125I-KTX, a voltage-gated potassium channel blocker. Only AamBTX-L3 was able to prevent the equilibrium binding of the β-toxin 125I-Css IV to its receptor site 4 with a IC50 value of 189nM. Even if previous electrophysiological data allowed the classification of other BTX-L peptides among the β-type toxins, this report clearly shows that AamBTX-L3 is pharmacologically a β-toxin, which recognizes the voltage-gated Na+ (Nav) channels from central mammalian neurons. In order to uncover the residues functionally essential for interaction between the AamBTX-L3 with the putative receptor site of 125I-Css IV on Nav1.2, molecular models of the three novel Aam BTX-L molecules were made and their surfaces were compared to the already described Css IV biologically interactive surfaces. A hypothesis is given that in BTX-L3, three residues found in the α-helix play a key role during target binding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recent studies have demonstrated that scorpion venom contains unique two-domain peptides with the peculiarity of possessing different functions, i.e. neurotoxic and cytolytic activities. Here we report systematic characterization of a new two-domain peptide (named MeuTXKβ1) belonging to the TsTXKβ molecular subfamily from the scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus by molecular cloning, biochemical purification, recombinant expression, functional assays, CD and NMR studies. Its full-length bioactive form as well as 1–21 and 22–72 fragments (named N(1–21) and C(22–72), respectively) was produced in Escherichia coli by an on-column refolding approach. Recombinant peptide (rMeuTXKβ1) exhibited a low affinity for K+ channels and cytolytic effects against bacteria and several eukaryotic cells. N(1–21) was found to preserve anti-Plasmodium activity in contrast to haemolytic activity, whereas C(22–72) retains these two activities. Circular dichroism analysis demonstrates that rMeuTXKβ1 presents a typical scorpion toxin scaffold in water and its α-helical content largely increases in a membrane-mimicking environment, consistent with the NMR structure of N(1–21) and an ab initio structure model of MeuTXKβ1 predicted using I-TASSER algorithm. Our structural and functional data clearly indicate an evolutionary link between TsTXKβ-related peptides and antiparasitic scorpines which both comprise the βSPN (β-KTxs and scorpines) family. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, we have characterized the immunological and pharmacological properties of the three major α-type toxins from the scorpion Androctonus amoreuxi, AamH1, AamH2 and AamH3, which were previously described as putative toxins from cDNAs [Chen, T. et al., 2003. Regul. Pept. 115, 115–121]. The immunological tests (ELISA, RIA) have demonstrated that AamH1, AamH2 and AamH3 belong to the immunological groups 3 and 4 of α-type toxins. Analysis of the three toxin effects on currents through rat brain (rNav1.2), rat muscle (rNav1.4) and Drosophila (DmNav1) sodium channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes revealed that AamH1 and AamH2, but not AamH3, have anti-insect and anti-mammal activities and can be classified as α-like toxins. While AamH1 removes fast inactivation only in neuronal rNav1.2 channel and has no effect on muscular rNav1.4 channel, AamH2 affects both neuronal rNav1.2 and muscular rNav1.4 channels. AamH3 was lethal to mice by intracerebroventricular injection despite its lack of activity on the neuronal rNav1.2 channel. Finally, we have shown that the A. amoreuxi venom was better neutralized by the antiserum raised against the venom of Buthus occitanus tunetanus than by the antisera raised against scorpion venoms from the same genus Androctonus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]