Showing 4 results for Scorpion Venom
Ehsan Zayerzadeh,
Volume 8, Issue 27 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background: Immunotherapy is the only specific treatment for scorpion envenomation. In the present study, the protective effects of polyvalent antivenom against histopathological complications in kidneys and marker changes (BUN and creatinine) induced by Mesobuthus eupeus (Me) scorpion venom was investigated in anesthetized rabbits.
Methods: Twenty four rabbits were randomized into four groups: six rabbits in control group were received 1 ml distilled water subcutaneously (group 1). In group 2, sublethal dose of Me venom (4 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously. Simultaneously venom (subcutaneously 1ml of an distilled water solution containing 4 mg/kg of Me venom) and antivenom (intravenously 5 ml) were administered in six rabbits as group 3 animals. In group 4, rabbits received five ml of antivenom, 60 min after Me venom injection.
Results: In group 2, venom injection caused histopathological damages such as glomerular congestion, dilated vessels of interstitium and focal interstitial congestion in the kidney. It also increased creatinine and BUN levels 3 h after envenomation. Simultaneous administration of antivenom and venom prevented histopathological damage and marker changes. In group four, Immunotherapy decreased histopathological damages and prevented creatinine and BUN elevation at 3 h.
Conclusion: Polyvalent antivenom administration can prevent and neutralize nephrotoxic effects of Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion envenomation, if used at optimum conditions.
Hani Keshavarz Alikhani, Jamil Zargan, Ali Bidmeshkipour, Ashkan Haji Nour Mohammadi, Mohammad Hosseinpour, Ahmad Heydari, Abbas Hajizadeh,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (5-2020)
Abstract
Background: The venoms of some scorpions are rich in bioactive components that may be used in the development and discovery of new antibacterial drugs. The venoms have many components, such as neurotoxins, salts, proteins and peptides with therapeutic properties, and can rapidly eliminate a broad range of bacteria. This study evaluated the anti-bacterial activity of Odontobuthus bidentatus’ crude venom against typical Gram-positive and negative bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli.
Methods: The antibacterial effects of the crude venom were evaluated using Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and MTT assays and its IC50 value was determined, using GraphPad software.
Results: The crude venom significantly inhibited the growth of both Gram-positive and negative bacteria. Also the MTT results showed that the crude venom significantly reduced the viability of E. Coli, S. Aureus, and B. Subtilis bacteria compared with that for the controls. The IC50 values of the venom for E.coli, S.aureus, and B.subtilis were 30.19, 17.64, and 24.13 µM, respectively.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the venom of O. bidentatus scorpion has antibacterial properties. Also, our results offer preliminary clues toward the development of new antibacterial agents and new drugs with high therapeutic potentials for use in animals and humans.
Rouhullah Dehghani, Tahereh Khamechian, Azar Dehghani, Mojtaba Limoee, Mazdak Limoee, Hooshyar Hossini,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (7-2020)
Abstract
Background: Aggressive behaviors in human and experimental animals have previously been described following induced pain. Aggression in rodents has been attributed to genetic and environmental factors, such as pain. A major complication of scorpion envenomation is severe pain in animals and humans. Considering that envenomation by black scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda) induces severe pain, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of the venom on inducing aggressive behaviors in rats due to the pain from stinging.
Methods: Rats in the control (n=20) and experimental groups (n=20) were injected with 0.5ml physiological serum or 1µg/ml of black scorpion venom dissolved in 0.5ml physiological serum, respectively, in the dorsal vein near the tail. Changes in behaviors were monitored photographically among the rats in both groups.
Results: Following the injection of the scorpion venom, considerable agitation and fights occurred among the experimental rats, presumably due to the severe pain induced by the venom. However, there was no such abnormal behavior observed in the control rats and in the experimental rats before the venom injection.
Conclusion: The induced pain post envenomation in rats caused violent changes in their behaviors, which were highly likely associated with the venom injection.
Behrooz Fathi, Fatemeh Younesi, Fatemeh Salami,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background: Poisoning due to the bites and stings of venomous snakes and scorpions is a neglected public health problem, particularly in rural areas. Poor health facilities and inadequate knowledge of health care personnel are the major factors that result in envenomated human victims not receiving adequate care and medical attention. There is a great need for up-to-date and effective healthcare knowledge and awareness of the potency and lethality of venomous creatures in Iran. Assessment of the potency, acute toxicity, and lethal effects of venomous creatures come from a variety of specific tests, such as the 50% median lethal dose (LD50) and ample animal experimentations.
Methods: In the present study, using modified Reed-Muench method, the LD0, LD50, and LD100 values of the venoms from five Iranian vipers and one scorpion were determined. The studied venomous creatures were: Macrovipera lebetina, Vipera albicornuta, Vipera raddei, Caucasicus intemedius agkistrodon, Montivipera latifii, and one scorpion Hemiscorpius lepturus. The venoms were injected in Albino mice (n=204) intraperitoneally, and their toxicities determined.
Results: The results revealed that the LD50 values of the above-mentioned creatures were 3.87, 2.05, 1.63, 1.45, 0.84, and 6.33 mg/kg, respectively. Among the vipers, M. latifii had the most potent venom while M. lebetina’s venom had the lowest toxicity.
Conclusion: Theoretically, the determined LD50 values provide for objective comparisons of the toxicity among of the venoms. However, comparison becomes complicated due to variations in the venoms’ LD50. Further, based on the venoms’ toxicity levels, H. lepturus’ venom caused the lowest toxicity in the Albino mice.
