Biochemical and Histopathological study of Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom in the experimental rabbits

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Abstract

In tropical and subtropical countries, envenomation by scorpions (so-called scorpionism) represents a
serious public health problem. In the present study, the toxic effects of mice LD50 injections of Mesobuthus
eupeus (Me) venom on the kidney and liver of anesthetized rabbits were investigated. Six rabbits were
selected and ALT, AST, BUN and creatinine were measured at 0, 1 and 3 hours after envenomation and
histopathological studies were carried out postmortem. All the animals showed signs and symptoms of
envenomation within 30-40 minutes and died 3 to 3.5 hours after venom injection. Histopathological
examinations revealed glumerolar congestion, dilated vessels of interstitium and focal interstitial congestion
in the kidney and focal hemorrhage, central vein congestion, congested vessels in portal areas and dilated
sinusoids in the liver at 3 to 3.5 hrs following venom injection. In addition, biochemical analyses indicated
significant rise in the levels of ALT and creatinine following Mesobuthus eupeus envenomation in animals
at 3 hrs. However no significant changes were observed at 1 hr. In conclusion, scorpion (Mesobuthus
eupeus) venom leads to damage in vital organs such as liver and kidney.

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Archives of Razi Institute
Volume 66, Issue 2
November and December 2011
Pages 133-138

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