[Effect of immunotherapy on metabolic and histopathological modifications after experimental scorpion envenomation]

Scorpion envenoming is a serious public health problem in many areas in the world. The most dangerous scorpion species in Algeria are Androctonus australis hector (Aah). Little is known about biochemical and histopathological effects of Androctonus australis hector venom after experimental envenomation. In this study, the effects of sublethal dose and lethal dose 50 (LD50) of Aah venom on the enzymatic activities (transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase) and histopathological changes from organs (liver, heart, kidneys and lungs) were determined 24 hr following envenoming (s.c) of the mice. The effect of F(ab')2 fragments anti-FToxG-50-Aah was also tested on the same organs. The histopathological studies following Aah envenoming showed degenerative changes in the liver where most hepatocytes were enlarged and necrotic. Nuclei were irregular in size. After envenoming with Aah venom the myocardium showed myocytolysis with interstitial edema and hemorrhage, in the lungs, hemorrhage and thickening of inter-alveolar septa. The glomeruli and the tubules structure of kidneys were disorganized. Results indicate also that the enzyme activities were significantly increased in the serum and decreased in the organs after envenomation by Aah venom. This increase may be due to the enzyme release from organs into the circulation. Neutralization by anti-FToxG-50-Aah F(ab')2 fragments leads to a normalization of the enzyme rate and a partial restoration of the tissues structure after envenomation with Aah venom.