Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Captive Maintenance and Venom Extraction of Tityus serrulatus (Brazilian Yellow Scorpion) for Antivenom Production
05:27

Captive Maintenance and Venom Extraction of Tityus serrulatus (Brazilian Yellow Scorpion) for Antivenom Production

Published on: October 6, 2023

Pathophysiological effects of Androctonus australis hector scorpion venom: tissue damages and inflammatory response

Sonia Adi-Bessalem1, Djelila Hammoudi-Triki, Fatima Laraba-Djebari

  • 1Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumédienne Bab Ezzouar, 16111, BP 63, El Alia, Alger, Algeria.

Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology : Official Journal of the Gesellschaft Fur Toxikologische Pathologie
|June 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Androctonus australis hector venom causes severe heart and lung damage in mice by triggering rapid cytokine and complement system responses. These responses lead to inflammation and tissue damage, highlighting key mechanisms in scorpion envenomation.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Immunology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Androctonus australis hector (Aah) envenomation poses a significant health risk.
  • Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of Aah venom is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of sublethal Aah venom dose on NMRI mice.
  • To analyze enzymatic activities, histopathological changes, complement system lytic activity, and cytokine profiles.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were envenomed with a sublethal dose of Aah venom.
  • Enzymatic activities (creatine phospho-kinase, lactate dehydrogenase) were measured.
  • Histopathological analysis of heart and lungs was performed.
  • Complement system lytic activity, plasma cytokine levels, and peripheral blood cell infiltration were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Severe myocardial edema, hemorrhages, necroses, and acute bronchopneumonia were observed.
  • Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase levels correlated with tissue damage.
  • Rapid production of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) cytokines occurred within 30 minutes.
  • Increased complement system lytic activity and leukocytosis with mononuclear and neutrophil cell predominance were noted.

Conclusions:

  • Aah envenomation induces significant cardiac and pulmonary histopathological damage.
  • Cytokines and the complement system play a sequential or simultaneous role in Aah envenomation pathophysiology.
  • Leukocyte activation by these systems contributes to tissue damage.

More Related Videos

Harvesting Venom Toxins from Assassin Bugs and Other Heteropteran Insects09:45

Harvesting Venom Toxins from Assassin Bugs and Other Heteropteran Insects

Published on: April 21, 2018

Measuring Changes in Tactile Sensitivity in the Hind Paw of Mice Using an Electronic von Frey Apparatus07:49

Measuring Changes in Tactile Sensitivity in the Hind Paw of Mice Using an Electronic von Frey Apparatus

Published on: December 19, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Toxic Reactions: Overview01:26

Toxic Reactions: Overview

When toxic substances penetrate the human body, they disseminate to various tissues, undergoing metabolic changes. This process yields reactive metabolites that may covalently bind with specific target molecules, resulting in toxicity.
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects01:25

Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects

Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...
Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular01:30

Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular

The inflammatory response is the body's defense against infection, injury, or irritation from bacteria, trauma, toxins, or heat. Inflammation helps locate and destroy pathogens and remove damaged tissue elements to heal the body. During this initial phase, fluid, blood products, and nutrients migrate to the injured area, resulting in redness, heat, swelling, ache, and loss of function. Moreover, signs of systemic inflammation include fever, increased WBC count, malaise, anorexia, nausea,...
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects01:12

Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects

While local anesthetics are generally safe and well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause adverse effects that vary in severity. Local anesthetics can induce toxicity at two distinct levels. They can either produce local effects through direct contact with the neural elements or be absorbed into the bloodstream from the injection site, leading to systemic effects.
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Drug Toxicity: Overview01:00

Drug Toxicity: Overview

Drug toxicity quantifies the harm a compound causes to an organism, varying by dose and potentially impacting whole systems or specific organs like the liver. Toxic reactions may arise from venomous insect or spider bites, with effects ranging from mild symptoms to severe outcomes such as brain damage or death. Common forms of acute poisoning include ethanol intoxication and overdose of pain or fever medications, with substances like GHB and heroin being particularly lethal at doses close to...