Scorpion venoms, kidney and potassium

In vitro studies with renal proximal tubule cells show direct cytotoxicity of Androctonus australis hector scorpion venom triggered by oxidative stress, caspase activation and apoptosis

“…Of particular interest, is Androctonus australis hector (Aah ), one of the most toxic scorpions to humans, which is often implicated in fatal scorpion sting accidents in Algeria [2]. The venom of this scorpion contains numerous toxins, whose actions may have serious medical consequences following envenomation [1, 3]. Included amongst these toxins are the scorpion α toxins, which bind to voltage-gated sodium channels, causing prolonged depolarization, and neuronal excitation [4].…”

“…Included amongst these toxins are the scorpion α toxins, which bind to voltage-gated sodium channels, causing prolonged depolarization, and neuronal excitation [4]. Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system is stimulated by these neurotoxins, resulting in the release of catecholamines and other vasoactive peptides, as well as hypertension, cardiac dysfunction and pulmonary edema, amongst other symptoms [1, 3]. An inflammatory response is observed, which causes metabolic derangements and organ damage [3].…”

“…Scorpion venom produces multiple adverse effects in various tissues, including the kidney, a highly vascularized organ which is vulnerable to toxin injury [3, 5, 6]. Clinical manifestations of renal injury include proteinuria, hematuria and hemoglobinuria.…”

Estudo clínico-epidemiológico, laboratorial e de vulnerabilidade dos acidentes escorpiônicos atendidos no Hospital Municipal de Santarém - Pará

“…AKI most often occurs from envenoming by several mechanisms including: pigment nephropathy, interstitial nephritis, rhabdomyolysis or intravascular hemolysis, vasculitis or direct toxin effect but renal failure following scorpion stings is very rare and has been reported mainly in the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean region and North Africa (Angsanakul and Sitprija., 2013;Sitprija and Sitprija., 2012;Viswanatham and Prabhu., 2011).…”

“…AKI after scorpion stings, can also be caused by inflammatory reactions due to proinflammatory cytokines (TNF alpha, IL 1 Beta, IL 6) and another mediators (Angsanakul and Sitprija, 2013;Petricevich, 2010).…”