How is scorpion venom produced? A detailed explanation of its formation process

The medicinal value of @#@257@#@ depends mainly on scorpion venom. The poisoning symptoms caused when people are stung by scorpions are also the effect of scorpion venom. The toxicity of scorpion toxin is similar to that of snake toxin and is extremely severe. Scorpion venom acts on frogs, guinea pigs, rabbits and other animals, and can produce poisoning in all of them. Its median lethal dose (LD50) for mice is 1.6 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (male mice) and 1.4 milligrams (female mice). However, its toxicity is destroyed when heated to 100°C for 30 minutes.

The pharmacological functions of scorpions depend mainly on scorpion venom. Scorpion venom has extensive pharmacological effects on the human nervous system, cardiovascular system and energy metabolism, and has special therapeutic effects on diseases that seriously endanger human health, such as tumors, pain and thrombosis. Scientific researchers in China have already proved that the anti-epileptic peptide in scorpion venom has an anticonvulsant effect. Other countries have also begun to use scorpion venom to treat tumors, heart disease and other disorders. According to measurements by the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the venom of the East Asian scorpion (Mesobuthus martensii) contains proteins, hyaluronidase, biogenic amines and other components, with toxins accounting for 60%-70% of the total protein content. Scorpion venom is extremely expensive on the international market, with 1 gram of dried venom costing about 1000 US dollars. Generally, 3000 scorpions can yield 1 gram of dried venom, so its economic value is considerable, but at present large-scale @#@136@#@ still faces difficulties.

Production of scorpion venom and venom collection biology

Scorpion venom is secreted and produced by the venom sac. The venom sac of a scorpion is located at the end of the tail and is a bag-like structure. The scorpion's stinger (tail spine) curves toward the ventral side and gradually tapers, with the end of the stinger appearing grayish purple-brown, while the rest of the venom sac is yellow-orange. The surface of the venom sac is a hard shell, and the organ that secretes the venom is a pair of white venom glands inside. The venom sac and the tail segment are connected by a movable joint. Through the contraction of a bundle of extensor muscles and a bundle of flexor muscles, the venom sac can move up and down with a range of 1800, but it cannot swing left and right.

When observed under an ordinary optical microscope, two venom ducts can be seen extending from the two venom glands, and there are oval openings on both sides near the end of the stinger. This is the channel through which the venom flows out.

During the period of scorpion venom collection, their biological habits and normal growth and development status undergo certain changes compared with usual conditions. Therefore, attention should be paid to the following issues.

(1) Venom collection cycle

The cycle for collecting scorpion venom should be determined according to the process and required time of venom secretion by the venom glands in the scorpion body. The East Asian scorpion can have venom collected once every 7-10 days, but for safety reasons, it is advisable to collect venom once every about 20 days. It should not be too frequent, so as to avoid affecting the normal growth and development of the scorpions.

(2) Venom collection season

Generally, venom collection should be carried out in the season when scorpions grow and develop vigorously. Under natural conditions, it is advisable to collect venom from June to September, when the yield is relatively high; after October, the amount of venom collected decreases markedly; in winter, scorpions have already entered hibernation and cannot discharge venom. If temperature is used as an indicator, venom can be collected within the range of 20-39°C, but when it is below 15°C, venom collection is not suitable. If the natural hibernation period is broken and heating measures are adopted for breeding, the scorpions still grow vigorously even in winter, so collection can still be done.

(3) Subjects for venom collection

Generally, adult scorpions with normal growth and development should be selected for venom collection. Young scorpions are not suitable for venom collection. Pregnant scorpions in early pregnancy can have venom collected, but venom must not be collected shortly before giving birth. Pregnant female scorpions still give birth normally after venom collection, and about half of the young scorpions can free themselves from the sticky substance and climb along the mother scorpion's appendages onto her back, but the survival rate is affected. This may be caused by failure to supplement nutrition after venom collection.

(4) Amount of venom collected Under normal circumstances, about 3000 adult scorpions can produce 6-7 grams of wet venom, which can be made into 1 gram of dried venom, that is, each milligram of wet venom can be processed into 0.14-0.16 milligrams of dried venom. Each East Asian scorpion can produce about 0.34 milligrams of dried venom per collection. Male scorpions are smaller than female scorpions, and their yield is also lower than that of female scorpions.

(5) Effects of venom collection on growth, development and reproduction

Experiments have proved that venom collection by electrical shock stimulation has little effect on scorpion body weight, causing only a slight decrease. After venom collection, scorpions often increase their food intake, so management after venom collection should be strengthened, and more animal feed consisting mainly of soft-bodied, juicy insects should be supplemented.