Cardiopulmonary complications induced by Iranian Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom in anesthetized rabbits

Abstract

Scorpion envenomation is a life-threatening condition, especially in children and elderly individuals affected by respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the toxic effects of median lethal dose (LD50) injections of Mesobuthus eupeus (Me) venom on the heart and lungs of anesthetized rabbits were investigated. Six rabbits were selected and alterations in their electrocardiogram, heart rate, respiration and blood pressure before and after venom injection were recorded. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatinine kinase muscle-brain fraction (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured at 0, 1 and 3 hours after envenomation and pathology studies were carried out postmortem. All the animals showed signs and symptoms of envenomation within 40 minutes and died 3 to 3.5 hours after venom injection. Pathology studies revealed alveolar edema in 100% of the rabbits and myocardial infarction in 16%. The main histopathological changes were myocytolysis, coagulation necrosis, focal hemorrhage, thrombus formation both in myocardium and on endocardial surfaces as well as inflammatory infiltrates in the heart and hemorrhage, vascular thrombus and interstitial inflammation in the lungs. ECG monitoring of rabbits showed ST elevation, ST depression and inverted T and Q waves. In addition, although cTnT levels increased in 16% of the animals and serum LDH was also augmented, none of these changes was statistically significant. The enzyme CK-MB also did not show any change after Me venom injection. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that Me venom killed animals in less than 3.5 hours through severe pulmonary damage and it appears that the deaths could not be attributed to cardiovascular lesions. Therefore, Me venom effects on the lungs are so important that they appear to be independent of heart damage.

Toxicological and epidemiological studies of scorpion sting cases and morphological characterization of scorpions (Leiurusquin questriatus and Androctonus crassicauda) in Luxor, Egypt

“…Scorpion ( Androctonus amoreuxi ) is found abundant in Egypt. Androctonus crassicauda is one of the most important of the family: Buthidae [29,30]. In the present study, the Egyptian scorpions Leiurus quinquestriatus and Androctonus crassicauda were found on patient’s bedclothes.…”

Comparison of two purified toxic fractions from Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom

“…Iranian scorpions belong predominantly to the Buthidae and Scorpionidae families and the most common species are: Mesobuthus eupeus, Odontobuthus doriae, Scorpio maurus, and Hemiscorpius lepturus. M. eupeus, of the Buthidae family, is the most frequent scorpion species in the country (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). Its venom may provoke several symptoms from pain, inflammation and muscle paralysis to death in children.…”

“…The main focus has been placed on the Buthidae family because some species within this family possess particularly potent venoms that are harmful to humans (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)8). Knowing the biodistribution of their venom is helpful for development of potent antivenoms for clinical use.…”

Getting stung by black scorpion Androctonus crassicauda

“…5,6 It is widely distributed in Iran. Its venom is a potent autonomic stimulator with high affinity to muscle and nerve voltage-gated Na 2þ channels.…”

“…The majority of stings occurring in Iran are attributed to the Buthidae family, one of the most important is A. crassicauda. 5,6 It is widely distributed in Iran. Its venom is a potent autonomic stimulator with high affinity to muscle and nerve voltage-gated Na 2þ channels.…”