VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

Scorpion poisoning

SCORPION PISONING

• There are approximately 1000 species of scorpions but only around 75 are clinically important.
• The most potent venoms are low molecular weight proteins that affect the nervous system.
• The nomenclature of scorpion toxins recognizes two general classes, alpha-and beta-toxins.
• Scorpion alpha-toxins induce a prolongation of the action potential of nerves and muscles by slowing down the inactivation of the sodium channel with receptor affinity dependent upon membrane potential, while beta-toxins bind to a receptor site distinct from that of the alpha toxins with binding being independent of voltage.