SCORPION ANTIVENOM REVERSES METABOLIC, ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC, AND HORMONAL DISTURBANCES CAUSED BY THE INDIAN RED SCORPION Mesobuthus tamulus concanesis, Pocock ENVENOMATION

Abstract

Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes were induced in dogs by injection of scorpion venom from Mesobuthus tamulus concanesis, Pocock. Venom (3 mg/kg body weight) was given subcutaneously (SQ) while 10 ml of scorpion antivenom (SAV) was administered intravenously (IV) to experimental dogs. Group 1 received only the venom; Groups 2, 3, and 4 received SAV at 0, 30, and 60 min, respectively, following envenoming. Thick, ropy and profuse salivation; muscle fasciculation; clonus and tetany-like contractions; frequent urination; and bowel emptying sometimes stained with bile and occasionally blood and bile were observed 20-25 minutes after envenoming. Following envenoming, hyperglycemia, increase in free fatty acid (FFA) levels, and reduction in triglyceride levels were observed in Groups 1, 3, and 4. There was an initial rise in insulin levels at 30 min followed by a reduction at 60 min. SAV caused a subsequent rise in insulin levels but there was a reduction in blood sugar to euglycemia levels and lipogenesis (reduction in FFA and increase in triglycerides levels) in Groups 3 and 4. Abnormal ECG changes and arrhythmias were not observed after SAV. Normal sinus rhythm was restored in Group 4. Scorpion envenoming with multi-system-organ failure (MSOF), characterized by a massive release of counter-regulatory hormones (catecholamines, glucagon, cortisol), angiotensin-II, and changes in insulin secretion, is a condition of fuel-energy deficits and an inability to utilize the existing metabolic substrates. These disturbances are reversed by SAV possibly through insulin release. It is concluded that SAV, under the laboratory conditions, effectively neutralizes, prevents, and reverses scorpion venom toxicity

Cardiac Sarcolemmal Defects in Acute Myocarditis Due to Scorpion Envenoming Syndrome

“…3) Sofer and Gueron reported high levels of SGOT, CPK, and CK-MB and suggested that these might account for the cardiovascular changes. The electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, radionuclide and ventriculography studies also showed an elevation of SGOT, CPK and CK-Mb ratio in scorpion sting victims [54] [55].…”

“…The leaked enzymes remain in the circulation until they are metabolically degraded. This could be the reason for an apparent and significant rise in the enzyme levels in envenoming, and for reversal of ECG and cardiac enzyme levels following the administration of Scorpion antivenom (SAV) to the envenomed animals [55] [56].…”