Histology and histochemistry of the venom apparatus of the black scorpion Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

BM Jarrar,MA Al-Rowaily

doi:10.1590/s1678-91992008000300010

Abstract

The venom apparatus of the black scorpion Androctonus crassicauda has been characterized histologically and histochemically in the present study. The results showed that this apparatus consists of paired venom glands, each of which initially presents its own canal and posteriorily both fuse into a single common one. Each gland is covered by a sheath of striated muscle and is lined with extensively folded secretory epithelium (formed of non-secretory and secretory venom-producing cells). The outcomes also revealed that the venom-producing cells of both glands produce neutral mucosubstances, sialomucins, sulfomucins and proteins, but are devoid of glycogen. Cysteine, tyrosine, tryptophan and arginine were also detected along with activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases, mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase, aminopeptidase, cholinesterase and non-specific esterases. Structure and secretion of scorpion venom glands are discussed within the context of the present results.

Highlights

Androctonus crassicauda has been reported to be present in various localities in Saudi Arabia and in other parts of the Arabian Peninsula [2, 3, 12, 15, 24, 35]
Morphology and Histology The venom apparatus of Androctonus crassicauda presents similar completely separated bilateral venom glands covered by cuticle
In the present study the venom-producing cells of A. crassicauda were found to be periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive and diastase-resistant, which indicates that this scorpion species venom contains neutral mucosubstances and are devoid of glycogen

Summary

Introduction

Androctonus crassicauda has been reported to be present in various localities in Saudi Arabia and in other parts of the Arabian Peninsula [2, 3, 12, 15, 24, 35] This species is considered one of the most dangerous scorpions in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries [1, 2,3,4,5,6,7, 12, 28, 30] and its stings may account for mortalities [8, 10, 14, 16]. The morphology of scorpion venom apparatus has been described by many investigators, few studies have focused on its histochemistry [19, 20, 25, 27, 34] In this context, the present study was performed to characterize the histology and histochemistry of Androctonus crassicauda venom glands

Methods

Results

Conclusion