Rapid profiling of crude scorpion venom using liquid chromatography and its relevance to species identification

Abstract

We present the comprehensive chromatographic profiles of three scorpion species, Androctonus crassicauda, Androctonus bicolor, and Leiurus quinquestriatus, commonly inhabited to Middle East regions. Their venoms were milked by electrical stimulation, diluted with distilled water, properly mixed and centrifuged to separate the mucus from venom. The clear supernatant was filtered and the protein concentration was determined. Pre-diluted venoms were chromatographed on FPLC (fast protein liquid chromatography) and RP-HPLC (reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography) and the fractions were collected for molecular weight determination. Both techniques have resulted clearly distinguishable chromatographic patterns that can be used for identification of scorpion species and having a quick indication of venom toxicity.