Neurotoxins in scorpion venom incapacitate prey by interfering with the transmission of impulses in neurons.
Stinging Scorpion vs. Pain-Defying Mouse
“ toxins found in scorpion venom interact with sodium channels
in nervous and muscular systems — and some of these sodium channels
communicate pain, says Prof. Gurevitz. ‘The mammalian body has nine
different sodium channels of which only a certain subtype delivers pain
to our brain. We are trying to understand how toxins in the venom
interact with sodium channels at the molecular level and particularly
how some of the toxins differentiate among channel subtypes.
“‘If we figure this out, we may be able to slightly modify such
toxins, making them more potent and specific for certain pain mediating
sodium channels,’ Prof. Gurevitz continues. With this information,
engineering of chemical derivatives that mimic the scorpion toxins would
provide novel pain killers of high specificity that have no side
effects…some toxins have evolved with the capability to directly affect
mammalian sodium channel subtypes whereas others recognize and affect
sodium channels of invertebrates such as insects…
“Using an approach called ‘rational design’ or ‘,’ Prof.
Gurevitz is trying to develop painkillers that mimic the venom’s
bioactive components. The idea is to use nature as the model, and to
modify elements of the venom so that a future painkiller designed
according to these toxins could be as effective as possible, while
eliminating or reducing side effects.” (Science Daily 2010)
