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Background <p><i>Leiurus quinquestriatus</i> is one of the world’s most dangerous scorpions. The present study was conducted to describe the histology, and histochemistry of the venom gland in males and females, and measurements of the concentrations of elements, and proteins profiles in this scorpion.</p> Results <p>Light microscopic examination revealed paired glands located inside the telson’s vesicle. Moreover, three types of secretory granules in the venom gland were varied between males and females. Electrophoresis revealed three protein bands (165, 93, and 24&#xa0;kD) in females, while males exhibited only two bands (165 and 93&#xa0;kD). Furthermore, the elemental analysis of the venom gland indicated increased concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn), in males than in females (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.001). In contrast, levels of calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) were higher in female scorpions (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.001).</p> Conclusion <p>In conclusion, the presence of significant structural differences in the venom gland apparatus between males and females may provide good evidence about the composition of the venom in both sexes. The variations related to secretory granules, protein profile, and concentrations of different elements in male and female venom glands are useful for understanding the mechanisms of venom activity, suggesting that the male scorpions of <i>L. quinquestriatus</i> may be more toxic than female ones.</p>

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Sexual dimorphism in the venom apparatus of Leiurus quinquestriatus: histological, histochemical, and elemental analysis

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月6日

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  • Shimaa Mohamed Said,
  • Rouwaida Saadawy Ali,
  • Hanem Saad Abdel-tawab,
  • Wafaa Abd El-Hady Mohammad

摘要

Background

Leiurus quinquestriatus is one of the world’s most dangerous scorpions. The present study was conducted to describe the histology, and histochemistry of the venom gland in males and females, and measurements of the concentrations of elements, and proteins profiles in this scorpion.

Results

Light microscopic examination revealed paired glands located inside the telson’s vesicle. Moreover, three types of secretory granules in the venom gland were varied between males and females. Electrophoresis revealed three protein bands (165, 93, and 24 kD) in females, while males exhibited only two bands (165 and 93 kD). Furthermore, the elemental analysis of the venom gland indicated increased concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn), in males than in females (P < 0.001). In contrast, levels of calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) were higher in female scorpions (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the presence of significant structural differences in the venom gland apparatus between males and females may provide good evidence about the composition of the venom in both sexes. The variations related to secretory granules, protein profile, and concentrations of different elements in male and female venom glands are useful for understanding the mechanisms of venom activity, suggesting that the male scorpions of L. quinquestriatus may be more toxic than female ones.