The Tityus serrulatus scorpion is considered the most dangerous scorpion in Brazil and is responsible for several cases of human envenomation annually. In this study, we performed transcriptome profiling of the T. ser...The Tityus serrulatus scorpion is considered the most dangerous scorpion in Brazil and is responsible for several cases of human envenomation annually. In this study, we performed transcriptome profiling of the T. serrulatus venom gland. In addition to transcripts with housekeeping functions, such as those related to protein synthesis, energy supply and structural processes, transcripts from thirty-five families of venom peptides or proteins were identified. These transcripts included three new complete sequences of toxins and more than a dozen putative venom gland proteins/peptides. The venom gland transcriptome profile was verified by comparison with the previously determined proteomic profile. In conclusion, this transcriptome data provides novel insights into the putative mechanisms underlying the venomous character of T. serrulatus. The collected data of scorpion transcripts and proteins/peptides described herein may be an important resource for identifying candidate targets of molecular therapies and preventative measures.展开更多
Scorpion has strong analgesic effects, but its analgesic mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of scorpion powder on enkephalin expression in the midbrain of rats with nitroglycerin-induced mi...Scorpion has strong analgesic effects, but its analgesic mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of scorpion powder on enkephalin expression in the midbrain of rats with nitroglycerin-induced migraine at mRNA and protein levels. Results confirmed that migraine rat abnormal behavior was significantly improved, and proenkephalin mRNA expression was significantly increased following treatment with scorpion. The number of methionine-enkephalin- positive cells in the migraine rats following treatment with scorpion was significantly increased, but no significant difference in the number of leucine-enkephalin-positive cells was detectable compared with migraine and normal rats. Taken together, these results show that scorpion exerts potentially beneficial effects by promoting enkephalin expression in nitroglycerin-induced migraine rats.展开更多
The nucleotide sequence deduced from the amino acid sequence of the scorpion insectotoxin AaIT was chemically synthesized and was expressed in Escherichia coli. The authenticity of this in vitro expressed peptide was ...The nucleotide sequence deduced from the amino acid sequence of the scorpion insectotoxin AaIT was chemically synthesized and was expressed in Escherichia coli. The authenticity of this in vitro expressed peptide was confirmed by N-terminal peptide sequencing. Two groups of bioassays, artificial diet incorporation assay and contact insecticidal effect assay, were carried out separately to verify the toxicity of this recombinant toxin. At the end of a 24 h experimental period, more than 60% of the testing diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae were killed in both groups with LC50 value of 18.4 microM and 0.70 microM respectively. Cytotoxicity assay using cultured Sf9 insect cells and MCF-7 human cells demonstrated that the toxin AaIT had specific toxicity against insect cells but not human cells. Only 0.13 microM recombinant toxin was needed to kill 50% of cultured insect cells while as much as 1.3 microM toxin had absolutely no effect on human cells. Insect cells produced obvious intrusions from their plasma membrane before broken up. We infer that toxin AaIT bind to a putative sodium channel in these insect cells and open the channel persistently, which would result in Na+ influx and finally cause destruction of insect cells.展开更多
This review describes the history of taxonomic research on scorpions and provides an updated checklist and key of the scorpions currently known in China. This checklist is based on a thorough review of the extant lite...This review describes the history of taxonomic research on scorpions and provides an updated checklist and key of the scorpions currently known in China. This checklist is based on a thorough review of the extant literatures on scorpion species whose presence has been confirmed in China through field expeditions and examination of scorpion collections, excepting a few members that have no clear distribution or are currently in doubt. Totally, the scorpion fauna of China consists of 53 species and subspecies belonging to 12 genera crossing five families, with 33 species(62.3%) and one genus being recorded as endemic. Additionally, identification key and the distribution of scorpions from China are provided.展开更多
The present study analyzed the effects of ethanol extracts of scorpion on epilepsy prevention and hippocampal expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in a lithium chloride-pilocarpine epileptic rat model. Result...The present study analyzed the effects of ethanol extracts of scorpion on epilepsy prevention and hippocampal expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in a lithium chloride-pilocarpine epileptic rat model. Results were subsequently compared with valproic acid. Results showed gradually- increased hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein expression following model establishment; glial fibrillary acidic protein mRNA expression was significantly increased at 3 days, reached a peak at 7 days, and then gradually decreased thereafter. Ethanol extracts of scorpion doses of 580 and 1 160 mg/kg, as well as 120 mg/kg valproic acid, led to a decreased number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein mRNA expression, as well as decreased seizure grades and frequency of spontaneously recurrent seizures. The effects of 1 160 mg/kg ethanol extracts of scorpion were equal to those of 120 mg/kg valproic acid. These results suggested that the anti-epileptic effect of ethanol extracts of scorpion were associated with decreased hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in a rat model of lithium chlofide-pilocarpine induced epilepsy.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that scorpion venom in the scorpion can inhibit epilepsy and apoptosis. However, it remains unclear whether ethanol extracts of scorpion (EES) exhibit similar effects....BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that scorpion venom in the scorpion can inhibit epilepsy and apoptosis. However, it remains unclear whether ethanol extracts of scorpion (EES) exhibit similar effects. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of EES on hippocampal apoptosis and caspase-3 expression, and to compare the effects on sodium valproate (positive control drug) in a rat model of status epilepticus induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: This randomized, controlled study was conducted at the Drug Research and Development Center, Kanghong Pharmaceuticals Group, and the Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, China from May 2007 to April 2008. MATERIALS: EES were prepared by Huashen Pharmaceutical, China. Sodium valproate (Hunan Xiangzhong Pharmaceutical, China) and lithium chloride-pilocarpine (Sigma, USA) were also used in the present study. METHODS: From a total of 156 rats, six served as normal controls. The remaining rats were intraperitoneally injected with lithium chloride-pilocarpine to establish status epileptlcus models, and then assigned to five groups (n = 30, respectively). Animals in each group were administered drugs at 15 minutes after epileptic seizure by gavage, i.e. in the normal control and model groups, rats were treated with 1 mL/0.1 kg saline. The sodium valproate group was administered 120 mg/kg/d sodium valproate. The low-, moderate-, and high-dose EES groups received treatments of 290, 580 and 1 160 mg/kg/d EES. The dispensed concentration was 1 mL/0.1 kg. Rat seizure behavior was observed. If status epilepticus did not terminated after 1 hour, the rats were intraperitoneally administered atropine (1 mg/kg) and diazepam (10 mg/kg) to terminate seizure. These rats were continuously observed for 6 hours to ensure seizure termination. Then rats were treated with the above-mentioned drugs at 8:00 am each day until sacrifice, which took place 4 hours after drug administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Terminal dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells and caspase-3 expression were, respectively, determined by TUNEL and immunohistochemistry at 6, 24 48, and 72 hours, as well as 7 days, after status epilepticus. Behavioral changes were also measured. RESULTS: A few caspase-3-positive cells were observed. TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive ceils were mainly visible in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions 6 hours following status epilepticus in the model and drug intervention groups. The number of TUNEL-positive cells reached a peak at 48 hours following status epilepticus in the sodium valproate group, as well as the moderate- and high-dose EES groups, and number of TUNEL-positive cells reached a peak at 72 hours in the model and low-dose EES groups. The number of caspase-3-positive cells reached a peak at 48 hours in each group. Following treatment of sodium valproate and EES, the number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells significantly decreased compared with the model group at various time points (P 〈 0.05). The number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells was greatest in the low-dose EES group, followed by the moderate- and high-dose EES groups. The number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells was similar between the sodium valproate and high-dose EES groups. Epileptic seizure was significantly improved in the sodium valproate group, as well as the moderate- and high-dose EES groups, compared with the model group (P〈 0.05 or P〈 0.01). Treatment with sodium valproate and high-dose EES resulted in the best outcome, although the results were similar (P 〉 0.05). CONCLUSION: A dose of 1 160 mg/kg/d EES significantly inhibited status epilepticus. This outcome corresponded to a decreased number of apoptotlc cells and caspase-3-positive cells, which was similar to sodium valproate. These results suggest that it is not necessary to extract a component from the scorpion for the treatment of epilepsy. The high dose of EES significantly inhibited epilepsy, which correlated with decreased hippocampal caspase-3 expression.展开更多
A new approach which adopted the idea of coupling bionics to improve erosion resistance was presented, by taking the desert scorpion as the research object. The anti-erosion characteristic rules and mechanism of deser...A new approach which adopted the idea of coupling bionics to improve erosion resistance was presented, by taking the desert scorpion as the research object. The anti-erosion characteristic rules and mechanism of desert scorpion's surface under the dynamics effect of gas/solid mixed media were researched, especially the comprehensive influence mechanism of surface morphology, microstructure, creature flexibility and many other factors was studied. Simulation by CFD software was applied to predict the relative erosion severity. Samples with the coupled bionic configurations and flexibility were produced. Experiment optimum design theory was employed to design experiment scheme. Silica sand of particle size of 105-830 ~tm was used as the erodent. The erosion tests were carried out to validate the simulation results obtained. It is shown that the predicted results are in agreement with those obtained from the experiment. And contrast tests were carried out at the best and worst test points of erosion resistance for four samples. Contrast tests show that the erosion resistance trend occurs in such order with the best erosion resistance as coupling sample, groove, smooth and flexibility, and smooth, and the increasing rate of erosion resistances in sequence of 12.08%, 8.87%, 6.03% in the best test point. But in the poorest point, the increasing rate of erosion resistance is in sequence of 15.64%, 9.53%, 6.59%. The morphologies of eroded surface were examined by the scanning electron microscope, and the possible wear mechanism was discussed.展开更多
In order to investigate the cardiovascular effects of the scorpion(Buthus martensiKarsch)venom(BmKv),the left ventricle of the rats was catheterized via the right carotidartery.The LVP,LVEDP,+dp/dt max,Vmax,HR and BP ...In order to investigate the cardiovascular effects of the scorpion(Buthus martensiKarsch)venom(BmKv),the left ventricle of the rats was catheterized via the right carotidartery.The LVP,LVEDP,+dp/dt max,Vmax,HR and BP were observed.The results showedthat intravenous injection of the BmKv(60μg/kg),in comparison with the control,elicited obvi-ous hypertension and increase of cardiac contractility,both of which lasted for 1h,while theheart rate had no significant change rand that pretreating the rats with alpha-adrenergic blocker,phentolamine,antagonized the hypertensive effects,but did not antagonize the increase of cardiaccontractility.Pretreatment with beta-adrenergic blocker,propranolol,has no influence on the ef-fects of the venom.It is suggested that the hypertensive effects are due to the activation of al-pha-adrenergic receptor,whereas the increase of cardiac contractility may not be resulted fromthe activation of beta-adrenergic receptor.The BmKv treated with dithiothreitol before injectionhad no cardiovascular effects,indicating that the intact disulfide bridges play a decisive role inthe cardiovascular effects of the BmKv.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that scorpion venom heat-resistant protein (SVHRP) exhibits protective effects on primary cultured hippocampal neurons. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of SVHRP on astrocyte acti...BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that scorpion venom heat-resistant protein (SVHRP) exhibits protective effects on primary cultured hippocampal neurons. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of SVHRP on astrocyte activity and synaptic density in the hippocampus induced by amyloid β peptide 1-40 (Aβ1-40) neurotoxicity. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory, the Laboratory of Human Anatomy, and the Laboratory of Physiology, in Dalian Medical University between March 2006 and June 2008. MATERIALS: Aβ1-40 was provided by Biosource, USA; SVHRP was a patented biological product of Dalian Medical University (No. ZL01 1 06166.9). METHODS: A total of 27 healthy, 2-month-old, male SD rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups: control, Aβ, and SVHRP, with 9 rats in each group. Alzheimer's disease was simulated with 10 μg Aβ1-40 bilaterally injected into the hippocampus of the Aβ and SVHRP groups. The control group was injected with 2 μL 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid. One day following model establishment, the SVHRP group received an intraperitoneal injection of 2 μg/100 g SVHRP, while the control group and Aβ group received 0.5 mL/100 g tri-distilled water, once per day, for 10 consecutive days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At 16 days following model establishment, synaptophysin (p38) expression in CA1-CA4 regions of the rat hippocampus was determined by immunohistochemistry. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression surrounding the hippocampal Aβ1-40 injected area was also detected. At 11 days following model establishment, escape latency, swimming time, and distance to target quadrant were measured using the Morris water maze. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the Aβ group exhibited notably reduced p38 expression (P 〈 0.05) and notably increased GFAP expression in the rat hippocampus (P 〈 0.05). Water maze results demonstrated that escape latency was prolonged (P 〈 0.05), and swimming time and distance to the target quadrant were shortened in the Aβ group. Compared with the Aβ group, the SVHRP group exhibited notably increased p38 expression (P 〈 0.05) and notably decreased GFAP expression in the rat hippocampus (P 〈 0.05). Water maze results demonstrated that escape latency was significantly reduced (P 〈 0.05), and swimming time and distance to the target quadrant were significantly prolonged. CONCLUSION: SVHRP inhibited exogenous Aβ1-40-induced astrocyte activation and synaptic density decline in the rat hippocampus. Place navigation and spatial searching results showed that SVHRP blocked Aβ1-40-induced impaired learning and memory.展开更多
Objective:To establish a spatial geo-database for scorpions in Iran,and to identify the suitable ecological niches for the most dangerous scorpion species under different climate change scenarios.Methods:The spatial d...Objective:To establish a spatial geo-database for scorpions in Iran,and to identify the suitable ecological niches for the most dangerous scorpion species under different climate change scenarios.Methods:The spatial distribution of six poisonous scorpion species of Iran were modeled:Hemiscorpius lepturus,Androctonus crassicauda,Mesobuthus eupeus,Hottentotta saulcyi,Hottentotta zagrosensis,and Odontobuthus(O.)doriae,under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios.The Max Ent ecological niche model was used to predict climate suitability for these scorpion species in the 2030 s and 2050 s,and the data were compared with environmental suitability under the current bioclimatic data.Results:A total of 73 species and subspecies of scorpions belonging to 19 genera in Iran were recorded.Khuzestan Province has the highest species diversity with 34 species and subspecies.The most poisonous scorpion species of Iran are scattered in the semi-arid climates,at an altitudinal range between 11 m and 2954 m above sea level.It is projected that O.doriae,Androctonus crassicauda and Mesobuthus eupeus species would be widely distributed in most parts of the country,whereas the most suitable ecological niches for the other species would be limited to the west and/or southwestern part of Iran.Conclusions:Although the environmental suitability for all the species would change under the two climate change scenarios,the change would be more significant for O.doriae under RCP8.5 in the 2050 s.These findings can be used as basis for future studies in the areas with the highest environmental suitability for the most dangerous scorpion species to fill the gaps in the ecology of scorpion species in these areas.展开更多
Death due to scorpion envenoming syndrome is a common event in tropical and subtropical countries. Severe scorpion envenoming causes autonomic storm, massive release of catecholamines, counter-regulatory hormones, sup...Death due to scorpion envenoming syndrome is a common event in tropical and subtropical countries. Severe scorpion envenoming causes autonomic storm, massive release of catecholamines, counter-regulatory hormones, suppressed insulin/hyperinsulinemia, acute myocarditis, hyperglycemia, increased free fatty Acid levels, acute pancreatitis, disseminated intra-vascular coagulation, acute pulmonary oedema and death. Severe scorpion envenoming causes cardiac sarcolemmal defects displayed by alterations in Na+ - K+ ATPase, Mg++ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase activities, inhibition of erythrocyte Na+ - K+ ATPase activities, hyperkalemia and may result in death. Based on our animal experiments in which insulin administration reversed the metabolic and ECG changes induced by scorpion envenoming and treating the poisonous scorpion sting victims with insulin, we consider that insulin has a primary metabolic role in preventing and reversing acute myocarditis, the cardiovascular, haemodynamic, and neurological manifestations and pulmonary oedema induced by scorpion envenoming. Administration of insulin-glucose infusion to scorpion sting victims appears to be the physiological basis for the control of the metabolic response when that has become a determinant to survival. Continuous infusion of regular crystalline insulin should be given at the rate of 0.3 U/g glucose and glucose at the rate of 0.1 g/kg body weight/hour, for 48 - 72 hours, with supplementation of potassium as needed and maintenance of fluid, electrolytes and acid-base balance. The observation of cardiac sarcolemmal defects and physiological basis of various patho-physiological mechanisms involved in the genesis of scorpion envenoming syndrome and its reversal (in the experimental animals and scorpion sting victims) by administration of insulin are reviewed.展开更多
文摘The Tityus serrulatus scorpion is considered the most dangerous scorpion in Brazil and is responsible for several cases of human envenomation annually. In this study, we performed transcriptome profiling of the T. serrulatus venom gland. In addition to transcripts with housekeeping functions, such as those related to protein synthesis, energy supply and structural processes, transcripts from thirty-five families of venom peptides or proteins were identified. These transcripts included three new complete sequences of toxins and more than a dozen putative venom gland proteins/peptides. The venom gland transcriptome profile was verified by comparison with the previously determined proteomic profile. In conclusion, this transcriptome data provides novel insights into the putative mechanisms underlying the venomous character of T. serrulatus. The collected data of scorpion transcripts and proteins/peptides described herein may be an important resource for identifying candidate targets of molecular therapies and preventative measures.
文摘Scorpion has strong analgesic effects, but its analgesic mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of scorpion powder on enkephalin expression in the midbrain of rats with nitroglycerin-induced migraine at mRNA and protein levels. Results confirmed that migraine rat abnormal behavior was significantly improved, and proenkephalin mRNA expression was significantly increased following treatment with scorpion. The number of methionine-enkephalin- positive cells in the migraine rats following treatment with scorpion was significantly increased, but no significant difference in the number of leucine-enkephalin-positive cells was detectable compared with migraine and normal rats. Taken together, these results show that scorpion exerts potentially beneficial effects by promoting enkephalin expression in nitroglycerin-induced migraine rats.
基金This work was supported by a grant from 863High Technology Program,Chinese Ministry of Sci-ence and Technology
文摘The nucleotide sequence deduced from the amino acid sequence of the scorpion insectotoxin AaIT was chemically synthesized and was expressed in Escherichia coli. The authenticity of this in vitro expressed peptide was confirmed by N-terminal peptide sequencing. Two groups of bioassays, artificial diet incorporation assay and contact insecticidal effect assay, were carried out separately to verify the toxicity of this recombinant toxin. At the end of a 24 h experimental period, more than 60% of the testing diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae were killed in both groups with LC50 value of 18.4 microM and 0.70 microM respectively. Cytotoxicity assay using cultured Sf9 insect cells and MCF-7 human cells demonstrated that the toxin AaIT had specific toxicity against insect cells but not human cells. Only 0.13 microM recombinant toxin was needed to kill 50% of cultured insect cells while as much as 1.3 microM toxin had absolutely no effect on human cells. Insect cells produced obvious intrusions from their plasma membrane before broken up. We infer that toxin AaIT bind to a putative sodium channel in these insect cells and open the channel persistently, which would result in Na+ influx and finally cause destruction of insect cells.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(31071942)the Basic Project of Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2007FY210800)the 973 program(2010CB529800)
文摘This review describes the history of taxonomic research on scorpions and provides an updated checklist and key of the scorpions currently known in China. This checklist is based on a thorough review of the extant literatures on scorpion species whose presence has been confirmed in China through field expeditions and examination of scorpion collections, excepting a few members that have no clear distribution or are currently in doubt. Totally, the scorpion fauna of China consists of 53 species and subspecies belonging to 12 genera crossing five families, with 33 species(62.3%) and one genus being recorded as endemic. Additionally, identification key and the distribution of scorpions from China are provided.
基金sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30740035Key Scientific and Technological Project of Sichuan Province, No. 05SG1672
文摘The present study analyzed the effects of ethanol extracts of scorpion on epilepsy prevention and hippocampal expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in a lithium chloride-pilocarpine epileptic rat model. Results were subsequently compared with valproic acid. Results showed gradually- increased hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein expression following model establishment; glial fibrillary acidic protein mRNA expression was significantly increased at 3 days, reached a peak at 7 days, and then gradually decreased thereafter. Ethanol extracts of scorpion doses of 580 and 1 160 mg/kg, as well as 120 mg/kg valproic acid, led to a decreased number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein mRNA expression, as well as decreased seizure grades and frequency of spontaneously recurrent seizures. The effects of 1 160 mg/kg ethanol extracts of scorpion were equal to those of 120 mg/kg valproic acid. These results suggested that the anti-epileptic effect of ethanol extracts of scorpion were associated with decreased hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in a rat model of lithium chlofide-pilocarpine induced epilepsy.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30740035the Tackle Key Program of Sichuan Province,No.05SG1672
文摘BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that scorpion venom in the scorpion can inhibit epilepsy and apoptosis. However, it remains unclear whether ethanol extracts of scorpion (EES) exhibit similar effects. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of EES on hippocampal apoptosis and caspase-3 expression, and to compare the effects on sodium valproate (positive control drug) in a rat model of status epilepticus induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: This randomized, controlled study was conducted at the Drug Research and Development Center, Kanghong Pharmaceuticals Group, and the Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, China from May 2007 to April 2008. MATERIALS: EES were prepared by Huashen Pharmaceutical, China. Sodium valproate (Hunan Xiangzhong Pharmaceutical, China) and lithium chloride-pilocarpine (Sigma, USA) were also used in the present study. METHODS: From a total of 156 rats, six served as normal controls. The remaining rats were intraperitoneally injected with lithium chloride-pilocarpine to establish status epileptlcus models, and then assigned to five groups (n = 30, respectively). Animals in each group were administered drugs at 15 minutes after epileptic seizure by gavage, i.e. in the normal control and model groups, rats were treated with 1 mL/0.1 kg saline. The sodium valproate group was administered 120 mg/kg/d sodium valproate. The low-, moderate-, and high-dose EES groups received treatments of 290, 580 and 1 160 mg/kg/d EES. The dispensed concentration was 1 mL/0.1 kg. Rat seizure behavior was observed. If status epilepticus did not terminated after 1 hour, the rats were intraperitoneally administered atropine (1 mg/kg) and diazepam (10 mg/kg) to terminate seizure. These rats were continuously observed for 6 hours to ensure seizure termination. Then rats were treated with the above-mentioned drugs at 8:00 am each day until sacrifice, which took place 4 hours after drug administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Terminal dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells and caspase-3 expression were, respectively, determined by TUNEL and immunohistochemistry at 6, 24 48, and 72 hours, as well as 7 days, after status epilepticus. Behavioral changes were also measured. RESULTS: A few caspase-3-positive cells were observed. TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive ceils were mainly visible in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions 6 hours following status epilepticus in the model and drug intervention groups. The number of TUNEL-positive cells reached a peak at 48 hours following status epilepticus in the sodium valproate group, as well as the moderate- and high-dose EES groups, and number of TUNEL-positive cells reached a peak at 72 hours in the model and low-dose EES groups. The number of caspase-3-positive cells reached a peak at 48 hours in each group. Following treatment of sodium valproate and EES, the number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells significantly decreased compared with the model group at various time points (P 〈 0.05). The number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells was greatest in the low-dose EES group, followed by the moderate- and high-dose EES groups. The number of TUNEL- and caspase-3-positive cells was similar between the sodium valproate and high-dose EES groups. Epileptic seizure was significantly improved in the sodium valproate group, as well as the moderate- and high-dose EES groups, compared with the model group (P〈 0.05 or P〈 0.01). Treatment with sodium valproate and high-dose EES resulted in the best outcome, although the results were similar (P 〉 0.05). CONCLUSION: A dose of 1 160 mg/kg/d EES significantly inhibited status epilepticus. This outcome corresponded to a decreased number of apoptotlc cells and caspase-3-positive cells, which was similar to sodium valproate. These results suggest that it is not necessary to extract a component from the scorpion for the treatment of epilepsy. The high dose of EES significantly inhibited epilepsy, which correlated with decreased hippocampal caspase-3 expression.
基金Projects(51205161, 51175220, 51290292) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProjects(20120061120051, 20100061110023) supported by Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China+3 种基金Project(OSR-04-04) supported by Cooperation and Innovation to National Potential Oil and Gas for Production and Research, ChinaProject(200905016) supported by Ten Outstanding Youth Fund Project of Jilin University, ChinaProject(2012M511345) supported by China Postdoctoral Science FoundationProject(450060481176) supported by Basic Scientific Research Expenses of Jilin University, China
文摘A new approach which adopted the idea of coupling bionics to improve erosion resistance was presented, by taking the desert scorpion as the research object. The anti-erosion characteristic rules and mechanism of desert scorpion's surface under the dynamics effect of gas/solid mixed media were researched, especially the comprehensive influence mechanism of surface morphology, microstructure, creature flexibility and many other factors was studied. Simulation by CFD software was applied to predict the relative erosion severity. Samples with the coupled bionic configurations and flexibility were produced. Experiment optimum design theory was employed to design experiment scheme. Silica sand of particle size of 105-830 ~tm was used as the erodent. The erosion tests were carried out to validate the simulation results obtained. It is shown that the predicted results are in agreement with those obtained from the experiment. And contrast tests were carried out at the best and worst test points of erosion resistance for four samples. Contrast tests show that the erosion resistance trend occurs in such order with the best erosion resistance as coupling sample, groove, smooth and flexibility, and smooth, and the increasing rate of erosion resistances in sequence of 12.08%, 8.87%, 6.03% in the best test point. But in the poorest point, the increasing rate of erosion resistance is in sequence of 15.64%, 9.53%, 6.59%. The morphologies of eroded surface were examined by the scanning electron microscope, and the possible wear mechanism was discussed.
文摘In order to investigate the cardiovascular effects of the scorpion(Buthus martensiKarsch)venom(BmKv),the left ventricle of the rats was catheterized via the right carotidartery.The LVP,LVEDP,+dp/dt max,Vmax,HR and BP were observed.The results showedthat intravenous injection of the BmKv(60μg/kg),in comparison with the control,elicited obvi-ous hypertension and increase of cardiac contractility,both of which lasted for 1h,while theheart rate had no significant change rand that pretreating the rats with alpha-adrenergic blocker,phentolamine,antagonized the hypertensive effects,but did not antagonize the increase of cardiaccontractility.Pretreatment with beta-adrenergic blocker,propranolol,has no influence on the ef-fects of the venom.It is suggested that the hypertensive effects are due to the activation of al-pha-adrenergic receptor,whereas the increase of cardiac contractility may not be resulted fromthe activation of beta-adrenergic receptor.The BmKv treated with dithiothreitol before injectionhad no cardiovascular effects,indicating that the intact disulfide bridges play a decisive role inthe cardiovascular effects of the BmKv.
基金Supported by: the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30770737
文摘BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that scorpion venom heat-resistant protein (SVHRP) exhibits protective effects on primary cultured hippocampal neurons. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of SVHRP on astrocyte activity and synaptic density in the hippocampus induced by amyloid β peptide 1-40 (Aβ1-40) neurotoxicity. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory, the Laboratory of Human Anatomy, and the Laboratory of Physiology, in Dalian Medical University between March 2006 and June 2008. MATERIALS: Aβ1-40 was provided by Biosource, USA; SVHRP was a patented biological product of Dalian Medical University (No. ZL01 1 06166.9). METHODS: A total of 27 healthy, 2-month-old, male SD rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups: control, Aβ, and SVHRP, with 9 rats in each group. Alzheimer's disease was simulated with 10 μg Aβ1-40 bilaterally injected into the hippocampus of the Aβ and SVHRP groups. The control group was injected with 2 μL 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid. One day following model establishment, the SVHRP group received an intraperitoneal injection of 2 μg/100 g SVHRP, while the control group and Aβ group received 0.5 mL/100 g tri-distilled water, once per day, for 10 consecutive days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At 16 days following model establishment, synaptophysin (p38) expression in CA1-CA4 regions of the rat hippocampus was determined by immunohistochemistry. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression surrounding the hippocampal Aβ1-40 injected area was also detected. At 11 days following model establishment, escape latency, swimming time, and distance to target quadrant were measured using the Morris water maze. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the Aβ group exhibited notably reduced p38 expression (P 〈 0.05) and notably increased GFAP expression in the rat hippocampus (P 〈 0.05). Water maze results demonstrated that escape latency was prolonged (P 〈 0.05), and swimming time and distance to the target quadrant were shortened in the Aβ group. Compared with the Aβ group, the SVHRP group exhibited notably increased p38 expression (P 〈 0.05) and notably decreased GFAP expression in the rat hippocampus (P 〈 0.05). Water maze results demonstrated that escape latency was significantly reduced (P 〈 0.05), and swimming time and distance to the target quadrant were significantly prolonged. CONCLUSION: SVHRP inhibited exogenous Aβ1-40-induced astrocyte activation and synaptic density decline in the rat hippocampus. Place navigation and spatial searching results showed that SVHRP blocked Aβ1-40-induced impaired learning and memory.
基金financially supported by the Deputy of research,Tehran University of Medical sciences(No.33493)
文摘Objective:To establish a spatial geo-database for scorpions in Iran,and to identify the suitable ecological niches for the most dangerous scorpion species under different climate change scenarios.Methods:The spatial distribution of six poisonous scorpion species of Iran were modeled:Hemiscorpius lepturus,Androctonus crassicauda,Mesobuthus eupeus,Hottentotta saulcyi,Hottentotta zagrosensis,and Odontobuthus(O.)doriae,under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios.The Max Ent ecological niche model was used to predict climate suitability for these scorpion species in the 2030 s and 2050 s,and the data were compared with environmental suitability under the current bioclimatic data.Results:A total of 73 species and subspecies of scorpions belonging to 19 genera in Iran were recorded.Khuzestan Province has the highest species diversity with 34 species and subspecies.The most poisonous scorpion species of Iran are scattered in the semi-arid climates,at an altitudinal range between 11 m and 2954 m above sea level.It is projected that O.doriae,Androctonus crassicauda and Mesobuthus eupeus species would be widely distributed in most parts of the country,whereas the most suitable ecological niches for the other species would be limited to the west and/or southwestern part of Iran.Conclusions:Although the environmental suitability for all the species would change under the two climate change scenarios,the change would be more significant for O.doriae under RCP8.5 in the 2050 s.These findings can be used as basis for future studies in the areas with the highest environmental suitability for the most dangerous scorpion species to fill the gaps in the ecology of scorpion species in these areas.
文摘Death due to scorpion envenoming syndrome is a common event in tropical and subtropical countries. Severe scorpion envenoming causes autonomic storm, massive release of catecholamines, counter-regulatory hormones, suppressed insulin/hyperinsulinemia, acute myocarditis, hyperglycemia, increased free fatty Acid levels, acute pancreatitis, disseminated intra-vascular coagulation, acute pulmonary oedema and death. Severe scorpion envenoming causes cardiac sarcolemmal defects displayed by alterations in Na+ - K+ ATPase, Mg++ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase activities, inhibition of erythrocyte Na+ - K+ ATPase activities, hyperkalemia and may result in death. Based on our animal experiments in which insulin administration reversed the metabolic and ECG changes induced by scorpion envenoming and treating the poisonous scorpion sting victims with insulin, we consider that insulin has a primary metabolic role in preventing and reversing acute myocarditis, the cardiovascular, haemodynamic, and neurological manifestations and pulmonary oedema induced by scorpion envenoming. Administration of insulin-glucose infusion to scorpion sting victims appears to be the physiological basis for the control of the metabolic response when that has become a determinant to survival. Continuous infusion of regular crystalline insulin should be given at the rate of 0.3 U/g glucose and glucose at the rate of 0.1 g/kg body weight/hour, for 48 - 72 hours, with supplementation of potassium as needed and maintenance of fluid, electrolytes and acid-base balance. The observation of cardiac sarcolemmal defects and physiological basis of various patho-physiological mechanisms involved in the genesis of scorpion envenoming syndrome and its reversal (in the experimental animals and scorpion sting victims) by administration of insulin are reviewed.