Effects of atropine and propranolol on lung inflammation in experimental envenomation: comparison of two buthidae venoms

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious works had shown that scorpion venom induced neurotransmitter elevation and an inflammatory response associated with various anatomo-pathological modifications. The most dangerous scorpions species in Algeria responsible for these effects are Androctonus australis hector (Aah) and Androctonus amoreuxi (Aam).ResultsComparison of the physiopathological effects induced by the two venoms showed differences in the kinetic of cytokine release and in lung injury.The lung edema was only observed in response to Aah venom and it was correlated with cell infiltration. In order to better understand the involved mechanism in inflammatory response, we used two antagonists, atropine (non-selective muscarinic antagonist) and propranolol (β adrenergic antagonist), which lead to a decrease of cell infiltration but has no effect on edema forming.ConclusionThese results suggest another pathway in the development of lung injury following envenomation with Aam or Aah venom.

An epidemiological study on scorpion envenomation in the Zagora oases (Morocco)

“…This can be explained by the patients' poor information on the pathology and the scarcity or even absence of health facilities in rural areas, which make the population, even close to health centers, to make use of preventive or control curative methods closely related to traditional medicine. The use of traditional care for the treatment of scorpion stings was also observed in Colombia, where 42% of patients received traditional treatment before being admitted to health centers [15].…”

Scorpion Venom Interactions with the Immune System

“…The first mediators involved during inflammatory response are TNF-a and IL-1, they affect directly organ functions or indirectly through the production of lipid mediators, proteolytic enzymes, and free radicals (Fukuhara et al 2003;D'Suze et al 2003;Petricevich 2006;Adi-Bessalem et al 2008;Aït-Lounis and Laraba-Djebari 2012;Saidi et al 2013). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) level was also increased after accidental or experimental SE, and it was positively correlated with the production of acute phase reactant proteins including a1-antitrypsin (a1-AT) (Meki and Mohey El-Dean 1998;Magalhães et al 1999;Fukuhara et al 2003;Petricevich and Peña 2002;HammoudiTriki et al 2004;Adi-Bessalem et al 2008;Zoccal et al 2011).…”

African Society of Toxinology: a new opportunity for integrating the control of envenomations in Africa

“…Analysis of scorpion and snake venoms began in northern Africa in the 1950s, and is continuing actively in the various countries of the Maghreb (16,17), in combination with the development of experimental studies on the pharmacological action of the venom on inflammatory syndrome (18). Epidemiological studies confirm the importance and severity of scorpion stings in Algeria (19).…”