High performance liquid chromatographic analysis of the venom from the scorpion Mesabuthus gibbosus (Buthidae)

Abstract

In this study, the crude venom, isolated from the scorpion Mesobuthus gibbosus, was analyzed for determining the neurotoxic peptides. Venom sample was injected into a RP-C4 Analytical HPLC column and fractions were collected manually into tubes. The crude venom was initially separated into 10 fractions. Each purification step was followed by bioassays and SDS-PAGE applications. Fraction M5 was lethal to mice. M5 was separated using the same system equipped with a RP-C18 column and obtained 3 fractions. Then collected manually into tubes by following at 214 nm. It was found that fraction M5 consisted of three peptides. The molecular weight of the neurotoxic fragment was 6600 Da.