Mesobuthus Gibbosus Research Articles

Bioecology and Systematic of Scorpions in Southwestern Anatolia Region (Arachnida: Scorpiones)

Abstract
 In this study, scorpion fauna of six provinces in Southwestern Anatolia Region (Antalya, Aydın, Burdur, Denizli, Isparta and Muğla) of Turkey was studied and 5 species, 1 subspecies in 4 genera belonging to 3 families were recorded. Examined specimens were collected between May 2006 and September 2011 from several provinces of research field in Southwestern Anatolia Region. As result of field trips 342 specimens were collected. Besides, some museum materials which were previously collected were used. At the end of the studies; it was determined that Neocalchas gruberi, Euscorpius carpathicus (=E. honazicus, E. sultanensis, E. arikani, E. avcii, E. lycius, E. gocmeni), Iurus kinzelbachi, Protoiurus kadleci, P. kraepelini and Mesobuthus gibbosus anatolicus species are distributed in Southwestern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Among these samples Neocalchas gruberi species was recorded from Isparta province, Protoiurus kraepelini species was recorded from Isparta and Denizli provinces for the first time. In this study, the systematic and faunistic information of determined species were cited, besides ecological and biological field trip notes were recorded.

Antimicrobial Activity of Hemolymph and Venom Obtained from Some Scorpion Species

The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial and antifungal activities of hemolymph and venom obtained from some scorpion species. Venom samples were obtained by electrical stimulation method from five different scorpion species. Again, hemolymph fluids were obtained from five different scorpion species. Antimicrobial activities of hemolymph and venom diluted 1:1 with sterile saline were tested against a total of 10 microorganisms including seven bacteria and three yeasts using disc diffusion method. Venom samples of Protoiurus kraepelini showed inhibition zones of 9-20 mm on all microorganisms tested. Venom from this species has the highest antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis. The venom samples of Mesobuthus gibbosus were effective (7-12 mm) on all microorganisms except Enterococcus faecalis and Micrococcus luteus. In addition, it was found that venoms obtained from Androctonus crassicauda, Hottentotta saulcyi and Leiurus abdullahbayrami have different levels of antibacterial effect but no antifungal effect against Candida species. Scorpion hemolymphs have been shown to have similar effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Besides, the obtained hemolymphs have been found to have low effect (7-9 mm) on microorganisms.

Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) Akrep Türünün Tarak Organının Fonksiyonel Morfolojisi ve Histolojisi

Akrepler, Arachnida sınıfında zehirli arthropodlardan olup; örümcekler, keneler ve akarlar ile akraba oldukları düşünülmektedir. Ancak; akrepler, tarak organ (pektin) adı verilen duyu organı taşırlar ve bu yapılarıyla diğer akrabalarından ayrılırlar. Bu çalışmanın amacı, ışık mikroskobu ve taramalı elektron mikroskop (SEM) kullanarak Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832) (Scorpionidae: Buthidae) akrep türünün tarak organının (pektin) morfolojik ve histolojik özelliklerini belirlemektir. Tarak organı oluşturan dişlerin detaylı morfolojik ve histolojik yapıları rutin yöntemlerle parafine gömülerek, kesitler alınmış ve alınan kesitler hematoksilen-eosin ile boyanarak ışık mikroskobunda mikrografları kayıt edilmiştir. M. gibbosus‘un pektinleri bir çift olarak mesosomal ikinci segmentin ventrolateral yerleşmiş olup, tarak şeklindeki her bir pektin organ marjinal lamella, farklı sayılardaki median lamella ve dişler olmak üzere üç kısımdan oluşmaktadır. Pektinlerde, çeşitli kutikular duyu kılları ve her bir dişin uç kısmında çok sayıda peg sensilla gözlenmiştir. M. gibbosus‘un pektin organından alınan enine kesitlerde her bir peg sensilumun çok sayıda sinir hücresi ile ilişkili olduğu gözlenmiştir.

Neutralization Capacity of Monovalant Antivenom Against Existing Lethal Scorpions in the Turkish Scorpiofauna.

In this study, Mesobuthus gibbosus and Mesobuthus eupeus eupeus venom samples were compared for lethality, in-vivo effects and proteins. Neutralization capacity of monovalent Androctonus crassicauda antivenom (RSHA anti-Ac) was tested against the lethal effects of the venoms. Venom was obtained from mature scorpions by electrical stimulation of the telson. The lethality of the venom and potency of Horse RSHA anti-Ac were determined in Swiss mice. The protein profiles of the scorpion venoms were analysed by NuPAGE® 4-12% gradient Bis-Tris gel followed by Coomassie blue staining. Western blotting was performed to determine immunogenic compounds in the venom samples. The median lethal doses of M. e. eupeus, M.gibbosus scorpion and A.crassicauda venoms were determined to be 1.92 mg/kg by i.v. injection route, 0.67 mg/kg and 0.24 mg/kg by s.c. injection route, respectively. A.crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) venom was used as control. One millilitre of the RSHA anti-Ac neutralises 23 LD50 of M. e. eupeus, 32 LD50 of M.gibbosus and 42 LD50 of A. crassicauda venom in mice. Analysis of electrophoresis indicates that three scorpion venoms posses low molecular weight proteins. Immunoblotting indicated that RSHA anti-Ac strongly reacted with both the specific venom and Mesobuthus species venoms which have antigenic similarity. The result of our study showed that M.e. eupeus and M.gibbosus could be medically important scorpions for humans, particullary children. The RSHA anti-Ac can be used in the treatment of envenomation by M. e.eupeus and M.gibbosus scorpion stings.

Many unique characteristics revealed by the complete mitochondrial genome of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus (Lutz e Mello 1922) (Chelicerata; Arachnida)

This is the first complete mitochondrial genome of a Tityus species, although it is the most medically important genus in South America. Tityus serrulatus (Brazilian yellow scorpion) mtDNA revealed the same gene arrangement of three out of four other mitogenomes published by now for the same family (Centruroides limpidus, Mesobuthus gibbosus, M. martensii and Buthus occitanus). However, it presented many unique characteristics such as possession of Cox1 gene, different from all other protein-coding genes of scorpion mtDNA, starts with an atypical start codon (CTG). Moreover, no tRNA gene have complete typical secondary structure and the Tytius genome presented three non-coding regions longer than 100bp. Also, it contains the smallest scorpion 16S gene reported by now. Phylogenetic analysis using concatenated homologous genes confirmed Buthidae as a monophyletic clade and supports a monophyletic group including T. serrulatus and the other American species, C. limpidus.

A new locality of Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832) from Montenegro (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

A new locality close to northwestern boundary of the geographic range is reported for Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brulle, 1832), from Montenegro, Crmnica Region, near Virpazar (42o13' N 19o06' E).

Novel potassium channel blocker venom peptides from Mesobuthus gibbosus (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

In the present study, we report for the first time, the molecular, biochemical and electrophysiological characterization of the components present in the soluble venom from Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832). According to the epidemiological and clinical situation of scorpion envenomation cases M. gibbosus scorpion is one of the most important health-threatening species of Turkey. Despite the medical importance reported for M. gibbosus, there is no additional information on toxin peptides and venom components to clarify the toxic effect of the M. gibbosus sting. Biochemical characterization of the venom was performed using different protocols and techniques following a bioassay-guided strategy (HPLC, mass spectrometry and Edman degradation sequencing). Venom fractions were tested in electrophysiological assays on a panel of six K+ channels (Kv1.1–1.6) by using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. Three new α-KTx peptides were found and called MegKTx1, MegKTx2 and MegKTx3 (M. gibbosus, K+ channel toxin number 1–3). A cDNA library from the telson was constructed and specific screening of transcripts was performed. Biochemical and molecular characterization of MegKTx peptides and transcripts shows a relation with toxins of three different α-KTx subfamilies (α-KTx3.x, α-KTx9.x and α-KTx16.x).

Identification of chelicerate neuropeptides using bioinformatics of publicly accessible expressed sequence tags

While numerous investigations have focused on the identification of neuropeptides in arthropods, most have been conducted on members of the Hexapoda or Crustacea, and little is currently known about those in the Chelicerata. Here, publicly accessible expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were mined for putative chelicerate neuropeptide-encoding transcripts; the peptides encoded by the ESTs were deduced using on-line peptide prediction programs and homology to known isoforms. Fifty-eight ESTs representing eight peptide families/subfamilies were identified using this strategy. Of note was the prediction of the first authentic chelicerate C-type allatostatin, pQIRYHQCYFNPISCF, from the mite Tetranychus urticae, as well as the prediction a novel allatostatin CC peptide, GEGKMFWRCYFNAVSCF, from both the tick Amblyomma variegatum and the scorpion Mesobuthus gibbosus. Also identified from T. urticae were authentic crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP), several peptides belonging to the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone/ion transport peptide superfamily, members of the calcitonin-like diuretic hormone/diuretic hormone 31 family, and several FMRFamide-like peptides, specifically members of the neuropeptide F (NPF) and short neuropeptide F subfamilies. To the best of our knowledge the identifications of CCAP and NPF in T. urticae are the first for the Chelicerata. In addition, several novel orcokinins were identified from the scorpion Scorpiops jendeki and the spider Loxosceles laeta; in S. jendeki previously unknown isoforms of SIFamide, ESRNPPLNGSMFamide and ESKNPPLNGSMFamide, were also predicted. Taken collectively, the data presented in our study expand the catalog of known chelicerate neuropeptides and provide a foundation for future physiological studies of them in these animals.

Scorpion stings in Turkey: epidemiological and clinical aspects between the years 1995 and 2004

The most important health-threatening scorpions found in Turkey are; Androctonus crassicauda, Leiurus quinquestriatus, Mesobuthus gibbosus and M. eupeus species, all of which belong to the Buthidae family. The epidemiological and clinical findings of scorpion stings in Turkey were evaluated between the years 1995 and 2004 based on data recorded in the National Poison Information Center (NPIC). A total of 930 cases were recorded. The cases mostly occurred in the month of July. The gender distribution was 50.22% female and 45.48% male. It was shown that the 20-29 age group presented more scorpion stings. Most of the stings occurred in Central Anatolia and Marmara regions of Turkey. Patients at the hospital showed signs of localized (pain, hyperemia, edema and numbness) and systemic effects (hyperthermia, nausea and vomiting, tachycardia, shivering and lethargy) but no lethality was notified. According to records, 33% of the poisoned patients were treated with antivenin in healthcare facilities.

Locomotory activity and orientation of Mesobuthus gibbosus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in central Aegean Archipelago

This study explores the locomotory activity of Mesobuthus gibbosus on Koufonisi Island (central Aegean). We measured orientation of movement, shelter selection and abiotic factors that influence locomotive activity throughout the circadian and lunar cycles. Our results show M. gibbosus is a highly active and negatively phototactic species with sexually dimorphic patterns of movements that are related to maternal protective behaviour. Male scorpions disperse more widely, apparently as a function of mate search, and exhibit much more opportunistic locomotive behaviour. The locomotory activity of the population was influenced by moon phase (negative phototropic) and air temperature, did not differ intersexually, and was directed towards a dry stone-wall where shelter was readily available.

In vivo and in vitro effects of scorpion venoms in Turkey: a mini-review

Scorpion stings constitute a common type of accident in Turkey due to the geographic location, climate and socioeconomic structure of this country. Moreover, envenomation cases are considered a public health problem throughout Turkey. Based on data in the literature, the main clinical features of scorpion envenomations are defined as systemic manifestations including sweating, hypertension and vomiting, and among prominent causes of death are cardiorespiratory manifestations, toxic myocarditis and pulmonary edema. The most important health-threatening scorpions found in Turkey are: Androctonus crassicauda, Leiurus quinquestriatus, Mesobuthus gibbosus and Mesobuthus eupeus, all of which belong to the Buthidae family. This study indicates that there is no data related to venom toxicity and in vivo effects of other scorpions found in Turkey - such as Mesobuthus caucasicus, Mesobuthus nigrocinctus and Hottentotta saulcyi - and that further research should be performed to determine their health effects.

Individual variation in the protein profile of the venom of Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832, Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Turkey

Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832) scorpions were collected from the Mugla province in the Aegean region of Turkey and housed in individual boxes. After extraction, the venom composition was analyzed using gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Interestingly, all scorpion venom samples contained only one protein band (~68 kDa) in common. Two protein bands (30 and 98 kDa) were common in six venom samples and were absent in the other venoms. Furthermore, two different protein bands (28 and 45 kDa) were detected in seven venom samples. This study proposes possible variations in the composition of individual scorpion venom samples collected from the same geographic region, based on the electrophoretic profile. Additional studies will be necessary in order to assess these variations further and to identify the proteins corresponding to the bands.

Intraspecific differentiation of social behavior and shelter selection in Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832) (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

We compared seasonal shelter selection and social behavior of Mesobuthus gibbosus from autumn to mid-summer in two similar phryganic ecosystems, in continental Greece (near Volos city) and in insular Greece (eastern Crete), and in the laboratory under simulated abiotic conditions. Our results showed that shelter selection is a critical indicator of the seasonal social behavior of the species. The abrupt climatic changes in spring caused a differentiation in shelter selection between the cold period (November–February) and the warm period (March–June) at both sites. Sociality was exhibited only during winter in the field and was more extensive under cold conditions in the laboratory. Co-occurrence of scorpions proved to be age-specific, facilitated by population density and by harsh abiotic conditions during winter, and negatively influenced by intraspecific competition, which was higher in continental Greece. The response of scorpions to changes of abiotic factors reveals synchronization of seasonal shelter selection with climatic changes.

Electrophoretical Comparison of Proteins of Mesobuthus eupeus and Mesobuthus gibbosus Scorpion Venoms

Summary Scorpion envenomation still remains a major health problem in many tropical and subtropical countries. Antivenom is still widely administered in the treatment of envenomation. Scorpion venoms is used as source of antigen to the production of antivenom. Therefore, quality control and homogeneity of venom are a crucial point. In this study, adult Mesobuthus gibbosus and Mesobuthus eupeus scorpions were collected from Osmaniye and Nigde provinces in Turkey. After extraction, the venom composition was analyzed using one-dimensional gel electrophoresis (1-DE). Only one common protein (70 kDa) band was found in all venom samples. Three protein bands (70, 87 and 100 kDa) were also detected in the venom of female scorpions in Osmaniye and Nigde provinces.

The foraging activity of Mesobuthus gibbosus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in central and south Aegean archipelago

The foraging activity of Mesobuthus gibbosus was studied and analysed over 290 field samplings in Koufonisi island (central Aegean) and Crete (south Aegean) during the period of maximal activity of the species. The results showed that on both islands males and juveniles searched for prey mainly relatively near or far from their burrows (“sit‐and‐wait” strategy), whereas females foraged comparatively more than males and juveniles at the entrances of their burrows (“doorkeeping” strategy). Throughout the study, there was no evidence of two or more individuals foraging together. Re‐emergence time after digestion lasts probably more than one month, because no individual was observed foraging twice in the 30 consecutive days of the study period. The individuals that followed the sit‐and‐wait strategy were larger in size compared to those of the same sex or age‐class that used the doorkeeping strategy. The diet of the species was wide, including representatives of eight arthropod orders on Koufonisi and seven on Crete. Stinging was selective and prey selection was based on the age‐class of the predator and the size of the prey compared to the size of the predator. The success of sit‐and‐wait foraging individuals was much more dependent on abiotic factors compared to scorpions using the doorkeeping strategy. Moon phase, air and soil temperature and air relative humidity were the abiotic factors which mainly influenced the foraging activity of these generally non‐cannibalistic opportunistic ambush predators on both islands.

Evaluation of scorpion sting incidence in turkey

Scorpion stings are common in Turkey due to its geographical location, climate and socioeconomic structure. Scorpion envenomation cases are a considerable public health problem in all regions of the country. Important health-threatening scorpions in Turkey are Androctonus crassicauda, Leiurus quinquestriatus, Mesobuthus gibbosus and M. eupeus, all of which belong to the Buthidae family. They are described to be potentially dangerous to humans. So far, there is no study about scorpion sting incidence covering all geographical regions of Turkey; therefore, in this study, we analyzed the frequency of scorpion sting cases in the country. A total of 24,261 scorpion sting cases were reported during 2005. Most of which (about 80%) occurred in the Southeastern Anatolia (30.4%), Mediterranean Sea (24.9%) and Aegean regions (23.5%), where medically important scorpion species are found. The sting cases mostly occurred during the summer period. Our results suggest that scorpion stings are an important problem in Turkey. This simple descriptive study will help develop interventions to prevent scorpion stings, which should take local sting cases into consideration.

Determination of potency and paraspecific effects of Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) antivenom against Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832) venom (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Scorpion envenomation remains a real health problem in many countries. In scorpionism cases, it is often recommended that patients be treated with species-specific antivenom. Androctonus crassicauda venom has been used as antigen for antivenom production in Turkey, where this antivenom, called Turkish antivenom, has also been effective in the treatment of envenomation caused by species other than A. crassicauda. The present study aimed at determining the paraspecific effects and potency of the Turkish antivenom against Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brulle, 1832) venom. To assess the venom toxicity and the antivenom efficacy, we determined the Minimum Lethal Dose (MLD) and the Minimum Effective Dose (MED) instead of LD50 and ED50, respectively. Androctonus crassicauda antivenom was capable of neutralizing M. gibbosus venom (20 MLD). This was the first study indicating that A. crassicauda antivenom can be used for the treatment of Mesobuthus gibbosus stings, especially in Aegean Region, Turkey.

The Scorpiofauna (Scorpiones) of Dilek Peninsula National Park (Soke-Kusadasi, Aydin)

This study was done in order to establish the scorpion fauna of Dilek Peninsula National Park in 2004 and 2005. A total of 63 specimens were collected from four different localities and three species belong to three families were established. The species are Mesobuthus gibbosus in Buthidae; Euscorpius sp. carpathicus complex in Euscorpiidae and Jutur dufoureius asiaticus in Iuridae. The species are new records for Dilek Peninsula.

The population structure of Mesobuthus gibbosus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) on Koufonisi Island (central Aegean Archipelago, Greece)

The population structure of Mesobuthus gibbosus was studied over 261 night-hours of sampling during 29 consecutive nights on Koufonisi Island (central Aegean Archipelago, Greece) using the capture-recapture method. The studied population proved to be the densest of all studied scorpion populations in chaparral or intertidal habitats of Mediterranean type ecosystems and even comparable to some populations of desert scorpion species. The negative influence of moon phase on the general activity of the species and synchronization in parturition were the main factors that caused the fluctuations in population density and therefore in the percentage of active scorpions.

The effect of model choice on phylogenetic inference using mitochondrial sequence data: Lessons from the scorpions

Chelicerates are a diverse group of arthropods, with around 65,000 described species occupying a wide range of habitats. Many phylogenies describing the relationships between the various chelicerate orders have been proposed. While some relationships are widely accepted, others remain contentious. To increase the taxonomic sampling of species available for phylogenetic study based on mitochondrial genomes we produced the nearly complete sequence of the mitochondrial genome of the scorpion Mesobuthus gibbosus. Mitochondrial gene order in M. gibbosus largely mirrors that in Limulus polyphemus but tRNA secondary structures are truncated. A recent analysis argued that independent reversal of mitochondrial genome strand-bias in several groups of arthropods, including spiders and scorpions, could compromise phylogenetic reconstruction and proposed an evolutionary model that excludes mutational events caused by strand-bias (Neutral Transitions Excluded, NTE). An arthropod dataset of six mitochondrial genes, when analyzed under NTE, yields strong support for scorpions as sister taxon to the rest of Chelicerata. We investigated the robustness of this result by exploring the effect of adding additional chelicerate genes and taxa and comparing the phylogenies obtained under different models. We find evidence that (1) placement of scorpions arising at the base of the Chelicerata is an artifact of model mis-specification and scorpions are strongly supported as basal arachnids and (2) an expanded chelicerate dataset finds support for several proposed interordinal relationships (ticks plus mites [Acari] and spiders plus whip spiders plus whip scorpions [Araneae + Pedipalpi]). Mitochondrial sequence data are subject to systematic bias that is positively misleading for evolutionary inference and thus extreme methodological care must be taken when using them to infer phylogenies.