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Indian red scorpion venom depresses spinal synaptic transmission without involving NMDA receptors

Amar N Maurya1, Shripad B Deshpande

  • 1Department of Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP 221005, India.

Neuroscience Letters
|March 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Indian red scorpion venom (Mesobuthus tamulus, MBT) depresses spinal reflexes in rats. This venom

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Toxicology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Indian red scorpion (Mesobuthus tamulus, MBT) stings cause neurological issues like convulsions and paralysis.
  • These symptoms suggest effects on alpha-motoneuron activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of MBT venom on spinal reflexes.
  • To determine the involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in venom's effects.

Main Methods:

  • Experiments utilized isolated hemisected rat spinal cords (4-6 days old).
  • Monosynaptic (MSR) and polysynaptic reflexes (PSR) were evoked by dorsal root stimulation.
  • Effects of MBT venom and NMDA receptor antagonist (APV) were assessed.

Main Results:

  • MBT venom dose-dependently reduced spinal reflexes (MSR and PSR).
  • Higher venom concentrations caused faster and more profound reflex depression.
  • Pre-treatment with APV did not alter venom-induced MSR depression, but abolished PSR.

Conclusions:

  • The study indicates that MBT venom depresses spinal reflexes.
  • NMDA receptors are not involved in the venom's effect on spinal reflexes.

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