Clinical and biochemical manifestation produced by scorpion (Hemiscorpius lepturus) venom in experimental animals

Abstract

Several studies have been published about the clinical and biochemical manifestations produced by the venom of scorpions of the Buthidae family, but very few reports have indicated the manifestations induced by the venom of the Scorpionidae family. Hemiscorpius lepturus is an important scorpion species present in the south and southwestern part of Iran, causing morbidity and mortality in children and adults. For the present study, H. lepturus venom was extracted by electric shock and subcutaneously injected (6.3mg/kg) into a group of six rabbits. Blood collection was carried out before and three hours after venom injection for determination of osmotic fragility and levels of blood sugar, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In vitro studies were also carried out to verify the osmotic fragility of red blood cells (RBCs) exposed to venom concentrations ranging from 0-90µg/2ml blood. Results showed the extreme effect of this venom on the lysis of RBCs both in vitro and in vivo. Venom injection caused significant (p>0.001) increase in ALT, AST, LDH and blood sugar levels. There was also an increase in CPK, and ALP levels after venom injection; however, it was not statistically significant. All animals died four hours after having received the venom. The current study revealed that the neurological effect of H. lepturus venom is similar to that of scorpions of the Buthidae family. However, they differ in RBCs lysis, which was highly significant when induced by H. lepturus venom, probably due to the presence of a type of phospholipase in this venom. Further studies are needed to provide a clearer view of the mechanism of action of H. lepturus venom

Scorpionism by Hemiscorpius spp. in Iran: a review

“…Hemoglobinuria was found in more than 50% of H. lepturus sting cases. Hemolytic uremic syndrome after H. lepturus sting has also been reported [ 55 , 79 , 86 , 95 – 99 ].…”

In vivo pharmacological study on the effectiveness of available polyclonal antivenom against Hemiscorpius lepturus venom

“…The neurological effects of H. lepturus venom are similar to those of Buthidae scorpions. However, red blood cell (RBC) lysis induced by H. lepturus venom is more significant than other scorpion toxins (4). Moreover, different investigations showed hemotoxicity including hemoglobinuria, microscopic hematuria, proteinuria or microalbuminuria and/or their fragments on renal function.…”

“…Moreover, different investigations showed hemotoxicity including hemoglobinuria, microscopic hematuria, proteinuria or microalbuminuria and/or their fragments on renal function. H. lepturus sting provokes acute renal failure at a frequency great enough to suggest a causal relationship between renal failure and RBC lysis in humans (4)(5)(6)(7). Hemolysis due to envenomation by this scorpion is so common that when a patient is suspected of being stung by a scorpion, the first clinical test is to check the presence of hemoglobin in the patient's urine.…”

Toxicity Mechanism of Dangerous Scorpion Stings in Iran

“…Unlike other scorpion stings, it is possible to have no symptoms at the beginning of the injury; clinical manifestations may be observed gradually or together in the patient for 2 to 7 days. Many patients, especially adults, have a normal general condition for the first 24 to 72 hours; it is only after this period that their status may change ( 29 , 32 , 34 ). Abnormal nervous behaviors, occult hemolysis, severe hemolysis, fever, sweating, chills, tachycardia, lethargy, anorexia, petechiae and skin rashes, hypotension and paleness are prominent symptoms of H. lepturus victims.…”