Androctonus australis hector venom (Aah venom)

Androctonus australis hector (Aah) venom is a highly potent mixture of neurotoxic peptides secreted by the Saharan yellow scorpion, primarily found in North Africa. The venom's toxicity is largely attributed to alpha-toxins, such as AahII, which specifically target voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) in excitable tissues (UniProt P01490). By binding to site 3 of the sodium channel, these toxins inhibit channel inactivation, leading to prolonged depolarization and a massive release of catecholamines and acetylcholine (PubMed: 11583481). This 'autonomic storm' results in severe clinical manifestations, including hypertension, pulmonary edema, and potentially fatal cardiac failure (PubMed: 15530634). Management of envenomation involves the timely administration of specific antivenoms, which consist of purified antibodies or antibody fragments that sequester the toxins and facilitate their clearance. Beyond antivenom, symptomatic treatment may include alpha-blockers like prazosin to manage cardiovascular complications.

Other names

Saharan yellow scorpion venomAah venomAndroctonus australis venomAah toxins

Neutralization of venom toxins by specific F(ab')2 or IgG antibodies, which bind to the toxins and prevent their interaction with voltage-gated sodium channels.