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Un ratón del desierto de Sonora ha encontrado una manera de convertir el doloroso veneno de un escorpión en un analgésico, tornando la defensa natural del arácnido en algo completamente ineficaz.

El alacrán de corteza de Arizona es un pequeño escorpión de color marrón claro que tiene el veneno más potente de todas las especies de alacranes de Estados Unidos, y una pequeña gota de su tóxico veneno es suficiente para enviar a un ser humano adulto al hospital con un insoportable dolor. Su veneno, que contiene varias neurotoxinas, es utilizado tanto para paralizar a una presa como para protegerse en un ataque.

Sin embargo, un pequeño cazador del desierto ha evolucionado para resistir el veneno de este alacrán: el ratón saltamontes arenero \[Onychomys torridus\] se ha hecho famoso debido a su gusto y capacidad de ingerir alacranes venenosos.

Científicos de la Universidad del Estado de Michigan han descubierto cómo el ratón consigue seguir luchando tras recibir una dosis letal de veneno. Una proteína incorporada en su sistema nervioso se enlaza a las toxinas inyectadas por el escorpión y las bloquea. En lugar de sentir dolor, los nervios del ratón se adormecen, produciendo un efecto analgésico.

Al roedor le toma un tiempo anular el efecto adverso, por lo que, tras ser picado, el ratón siente dolor durante algunos segundos. En el vídeo se observa que recibe tres picaduras en la cara y luego retrocede por un momento para frotar sus mejillas. Pero una vez que el efecto adormecedor entra en acción, el ratón pone en marcha un segundo ataque y mata el escorpión, a pesar de que recibe varias picaduras más en el proceso.

Los investigadores creen que la adaptación del ratón contendría algunas importantes pistas para la fabricación de más eficientes medicamentos contra determinados dolores que padecen los seres humanos. Esta es una buena noticia para nuestra especie, aunque mala noticia para los escorpiones, que tendrán que subir apuesta evolutiva.

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There's a chemical arms race going on in the Sonoran Desert between a highly venomous scorpion and a particularly ferocious mouse. The outcome of their battle may one day change the way doctors treat pain in people.

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Commonly found in the Sonoran Desert, the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is the most dangerous scorpion in the continental United States. According to Keith Boesen, Director of the Arizona Poison & Drug Information Center, about 15,000 Americans report being stung by scorpions every year in the U.S. The worst stings, about 200 annually, are attributed to this one species. Its sting can cause sharp pain along with tingling, swelling, numbness, dizziness, shortness of breath, muscular convulsions, involuntary eye movements, coughing and vomiting. Children under two years old are especially vulnerable. Since 2000, three human deaths have been attributed to the Arizona bark scorpion in the United States, all within Arizona.

But there is one unlikely creature that appears unimpressed. While it may not look the part, the Southern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys torridus) is an extremely capable hunter. It fearlessly stalks and devours any beetles or grasshoppers that have the misfortune to cross its path. But this mouse has a particular taste for scorpions.

The scorpion venom contains neurotoxins that target sodium and potassium ion channels, proteins embedded within the surface of the nerve and muscle cells that play an important role in regulating the sensation of pain. Activating these channels sends signals down the nerves to the brain. That’s what causes the excruciating pain that human victims have described as the feeling like getting jabbed with a hot needle. Others compare the pain to an electric shock. But the grasshopper mouse has an entirely different reaction when stung.

Within the mouse, a special protein in one of the sodium ion channels binds to the scorpion’s neurotoxin. Once bound, the neurotoxin is unable to activate the sodium ion channel and send the pain signal. Instead it has the entirely opposite effect. It shuts down the channel, keeping it from sending any signals, which has a numbing effect for the mouse.


--- How many species of scorpion are there?

There are almost 2,000 scorpion species, but only 30 or 40 have strong enough poison to kill a person. 

--- Are scorpions insects?

Scorpions are members of the class Arachnida and are closely related to spiders, mites, and ticks. 

--- Where do Arizona bark scorpions live? 

Commonly found in the Sonoran Desert, the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is the most dangerous scorpion in the continental United States. The Arizona bark scorpion’s preference for hanging to the underside of objects makes dangerous encounters with humans more likely.


Read the entire article on KQED Science: 

http://ww2.kqed.org/science/2016/03/08/stinging-scorpion-vs-pain-defying-mouse/

For more information: 

Michigan State University Venom Evolution: http://venomevolution.zoology.msu.edu/
Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability at the California Academy of Sciences: http://www.calacademy.org/scientists


More great Deep Look episodes:
What Happens When You Zap Coral With The World's Most Powerful X-ray Laser?
https://youtu.be/aXmCU6IYnsA

These 'Resurrection Plants' Spring Back to Life in Seconds
https://youtu.be/eoFGKlZMo2g


See some great videos and documentaries from the PBS Digital Studios!

It's Okay to Be Smart: Your Salad Is Trying To Kill You
https://youtu.be/8Ofgj2KDbfk

It's Okay to Be Smart: The Oldest Living Things In The World
https://youtu.be/jgspUYDwnzQ


For more content from KQED Science:
KQED Science: http://www.kqed.org/science
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Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/kqedscience

Funding for Deep Look is provided in part by PBS Digital Studios and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Deep Look is a project of KQED Science, which is also supported by HopeLab, the David B. Gold Foundation, the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, the Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation, the Vadasz Family Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Smart Family Foundation and the members of KQED.
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Stinging Scorpion vs. Pain-Defying Mouse | Deep Look

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Salud

El ratón saltamontes arenero convierte al doloroso veneno de un escorpión en un analgésico mediante un proceso químico interno. Investigadores estudian este logro evolutivo para aplicarlo en la mejora de los medicamentos contra el dolor.

FYI.

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La defensa de este ratón contra el veneno de un alacrán podría influir en la medicina actual

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FYI.

This story is over 5 years old.

La defensa de este ratón contra el veneno de un alacrán podría influir en la medicina actual

Síguenos en Facebook para saber qué pasa en el mundo.

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