REVERSION BY POLYCLONAL ANTIBODIES OF ALPHA-EFFECTS OF TITYUS-SERRULATUS VENOM ON FROG SCIATIC-NERVE

Fraction T-2 from Tityus serrulatus venom produced a marked lengthenin g of action potentials recorded with the single sucrose-gap technique, a characteristic effect of ct scorpion toxins. This effect was not re versed by thorough washing of the nerve, On the other hand, T-2 fracti on deactivated by complete iodination did not cause any alteration of the compound action potential, even if applied in concentration as hig h as 4000 times the half saturation dose of the unmodified T-2 fractio n. This high dose of deactivated T-2 did not hinder the onset of the f ull effect of a single dose of T-2 fraction applied subsequently. Poly clonal antibodies against native or against iodinated venom reverted t he action of T-2 fraction, restoring normal electrical response. We co nclude that both types of antibodies may remove the effect of alpha to xins on sodium channel.