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Developmental effects of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom on the rat offspring
Aline Aparecida Saltão Barão1, Rogerio Gentil Bellot, Valquiria Abrão Coronado Dorce
1Laboratory of Pharmacology, Butantan Institute and Center of Disease Control, SES, São Paulo, SP 05503-900, Brazil. alineasb@butantan.gov.br
Abstract:
Scorpion envenomation is a public health problem. Extensive research has been conducted to describe the systemic effects of scorpion venoms and their toxins, however, few reports are available about their effects on pre- and post-natal periods. Whole venom of the Tityus serrulatus scorpion was administered to rats on the 10th and 16th days of pregnancy to determine the effect on physical, reflexive and behavioral development of offspring. Thirty female Wistar rats were mated and distributed into three groups with one control group (C) and two experimental groups that were injected with venom (1mg/kg) on the 10th (GD10) or the 16th day (GD16) of pregnancy. After birth, the litter was standardized (eight pups for dam) and the rat pups were submitted to physical and behavioral analysis. A greater weight gain was observed on the 20th day of life (PN20) in the female and male pups of the two experimental groups compared to controls. In the GD16 group, a delay in ear opening and acceleration in ear unfolding were observed. In relation to reflexive development, an increased time for palmar grasp reflex was observed on PN8 in GD16. For this group, there was a decrease in the time of righting reflex on PN4 and PN6, and of negative geotaxis on PN6, PN8 and PN10. In conclusion, scorpion venom administered to pregnant rats on specific gestational days and at a dose that simulates a small accident, results in alterations in some reflex and physical parameters in their offspring.
Insights
Scorpion venom exposure during pregnancy in rats impacted offspring development. Venom caused increased weight gain and altered physical and reflexive development in pups, highlighting prenatal risks.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Scorpion envenomation poses a significant public health challenge.
- While systemic effects of scorpion venom are well-documented, impacts on prenatal and postnatal development remain under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom on the physical, reflexive, and behavioral development of Wistar rat offspring.
- To determine if venom administration during specific gestational days (GD10, GD16) leads to developmental abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Female Wistar rats were administered Tityus serrulatus venom (1mg/kg) on day 10 (GD10) or day 16 (GD16) of gestation.
- Control (C) and experimental groups (GD10, GD16) had litters standardized post-birth (eight pups/dam).
- Offspring underwent physical assessments (weight gain, ear opening) and analyses of reflexive development (palmar grasp, righting reflex, negative geotaxis).
Main Results:
- Offspring from both venom-exposed groups exhibited greater weight gain by postnatal day 20 (PN20).
- The GD16 group showed delayed ear opening but accelerated ear unfolding.
- Altered reflexive development was noted in the GD16 group, including prolonged palmar grasp, decreased righting reflex times (PN4, PN6), and reduced negative geotaxis response (PN6-PN10).
Conclusions:
- Prenatal exposure to Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom, even at a low dose simulating a minor incident, can induce significant alterations in offspring development.
- These alterations manifest in physical parameters like weight gain and developmental milestones (ear opening), as well as in crucial reflexive behaviors.
- The findings underscore the potential risks of scorpion envenomation during pregnancy for fetal and neonatal development.