Title:  Shrew's venom quickly causes circulation disorder, analgesia and hypokinesia.

Author:Liao Z, Tang X, Chen W, Jiang X, Chen Z, He K, Li Q, Duan Z, He X, Kamau PM, Lv L, Zhang Z, Rong M, Lv Q, Lai R.

Publication Name: Cell Mol Life Sci

Pub Year: 2022

Doi: 10.1007/s00018-021-04116-x

IF:9.261

Abstract:Multiple representatives of eulipotyphlan mammals such as shrews have oral venom systems. Venom facilitates shrews to hunt and/or hoard preys. However, little is known about their venom composition, and especially the mechanism to hoard prey in comatose states for meeting their extremely high metabolic rates. A toxin (BQTX) was identified from venomous submaxillary glands of the shrew Blarinella quadraticauda. BQTX is specifically distributed and highly concentrated (similar to 1% total protein) in the organs. BQTX shares structural and functional similarities to toxins from snakes, wasps and snails, suggesting an evolutional relevancy of venoms from mammalians and non-mammalians. By potentiating thrombin and factor-XIIa and inhibiting plasmin, BQTX induces acute hypertension, blood coagulation and hypokinesia. It also shows strong analgesic function by inhibiting elastase. Notably, the toxin keeps high plasma stability with a 16-h half-life in-vivo, which likely extends intoxication to paralyze or immobilize prey hoarded fresh for later consumption and maximize foraging profit.