Hematological and biochemical profiles of rats submitted to experimental poisoning with Tityus serrulatus venom

Abstract

The hematological and biochemical profiles of newly weaned rats submitted to experimental poisoning with T. serrulatus venom were evaluated. Fifteen recently weaned male Wistar rats (mean weight 130g) were distributed into three equal groups (n = 5). Animals in the control group (group A) received a subcutaneous injection of 400µL of ultra-pure water, while those in the experimental groups received, by identical route, 400µL of a solution containing 100µg (group B) or 450µg (group C) of scorpion venom dissolved in ultra-pure water. Red blood cells indexes, and differential leukocyte and total platelet counts were determined, together with levels of serum glucose, urea, creatinine, lactic dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, amylase, insulin, and cortisol. No significant differences between the control and experimental groups regarding red blood cells indexes were found. In contrast, significant increases (P<0.05) in neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes were observed in animals from groups B and C compared with the control group, while the number of platelets decreased. Serum glucose concentration remained unchanged in all groups, but important alterations were observed in the values of urea and creatinine. The results show that scorpion venom was detrimental to renal function as demonstrated by the altered urea and creatinine levels. Pancreatic function was also impaired, as revealed by the increase in amylase activity and the reduction in insulin levels.Keywords: rat, Tityus serrulatus, scorpion, experimental envenoming, hematology, biochemestry RESUMO Avaliaram-se os perfis hematológico e bioquímico de ratos recém-desmamados submetidos ao envenenamento experimental com veneno de Tityus serrulatus. Quinze ratos Wistar machos, média de peso de 130g, foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos (n = 5). Os animais do grupo-controle

Toxicity of crude and detoxifiedTityus serrulatusvenom in anti-venom-producing sheep

“…These results contrast with those of earlier studies in which scorpion venom was found to be capable of triggering polycythaemia in dogs [2930] and rabbits [7], as well as reducing platelet counts in rats [25]. Overall, these results indicate that sheep may be more resistant to scorpion venom toxicity than these other species, reinforcing their potential for use as anti-venom producing animals.…”

“…A decrease in serum amylase values in G2 occurred following the third and sixth doses, but this decrease was not significant when compared to other groups. Other studies have reported serum amylase increases in scorpion-envenomed patients [72325], suggesting that the decrease observed in our study may be specific to the ovine species.…”

“…Other studies analyzing envenoming by scorpions also showed higher plasmatic concentrations of total proteins [7131525]. A decrease in serum amylase values in G2 occurred following the third and sixth doses, but this decrease was not significant when compared to other groups.…”

Detection of potential diseases from wild rats (Maxomys bartelsii [Jentink, 1910]) using morphological evaluation of peripheral blood smears

“…In rat with leukocytopenia, folate, Zn, Fe, or Cu deficiency may occur, which results in suboptimal production of blood cells. Another possibility is the abnormality in the bone marrow as a producer of blood cells [18]. Viral infections that attack the immune system can also cause this condition, but cannot be confirmed without further examination [19].…”

Isolamento, caracterização molecular e funcional de uma nova toxina presente na peçonha do escorpião Tityus serrulatus

“…Análises de ureia e creatinina também foram realizadas. A peçonha de Ts induziu aumento dos dois analitos indicando disfunção renal nos animais, conforme já reportado (Pinto et al, 2010b;Pucca et al, 2012). Estudos histológicos em ratos demonstram que a peçonha de Ts e sua toxina majoritária (Ts1) induzem congestão renal com pequenas áreas hemorrágicas (Correa et al, 1997 (Ribeiro et al, 2010).…”