In silico models allowed to analyze the molecular interactions that favor the increase in affinity. Interaction kinetic constants of these scFvs with the toxins were determined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) as well as thermodynamic parameters of scFv variants bound to Chui5. Thus, scFv 10FG2 was subjected to three processes of directed evolution and phage display against Chui5 toxin until obtaining scFv HV. scFv 10FG2 recognized well all toxins except Chui5 toxin, therefore a partial neutralization of the venom was observed. Analysis of the venom allowed the characterization of four lethal toxins named Chui2, Chui3, Chui4, and Chui5. These data demonstrate that strychnine-specific antibodies can block the seizure-inducing effects of strychnine and could be used to develop a therapeutic for strychnine poisoning.Ĭentruroides huichol scorpion venom is lethal to mammals. Vaccination reduced strychnine-induced events, and serum strychnine levels were increased while brain strychnine levels were decreased in vaccinated animals compared to the control.

Mice were vaccinated with the strychnine immunoconjugate and then given a 0.75 mg/kg IP challenge of strychnine and observed for seizures for 30 min. As a first step toward developing an anti-strychnine immunotherapy to reduce or prevent strychnine-induced seizures, a strychnine vaccine was synthesized using subunit keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Due to its potency, accessibility, and lack of effective antidotes, strychnine poses a unique threat for mass casualty incidents. Furthermore, nonfatal strychnine poisoning is likely to result in long-term muscular and cognitive damage. Anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants have shown limited success in cases of severe toxicity. Current treatment options are limited, requiring hands-on medical care and isolation to low-stimulus environments. Strychnine poisoning induces seizures that result in loss of control of airway muscles, leading to asphyxiation and subsequent death.

Antidote for benzodiazepine poisoning