Serum Enzymes Studies in Scorpion (Hemiscorpius lepturus) Dose Related Envenomation in Rabbits

Hemiscorpius lepturus is medically important scorpion species present in the south and southwest part of Iran, causing morbidity and mortality in children and adults. Unlike other scorpions studied so far, the venom of H. lepturus is highly cytotoxic, that can be a reason for its complexity in clinical manifestations in patients stung by this scorpion. Scarce studies showed the mechanism involved in envenomation by H. lepturus. In the present study, H. lepturus venom in three doses of 50, 500 and 1500 μg/kg were subcutaneously injected into three separate groups of rabbits. Electrocardiograms of all the rabbits were recorded during the experiment. Blood collection was carried out before, one and three hours after venom injection. Serum was used for determination of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), urea, creatinine, BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB). In group 1 rabbits although some change were observed in serum biochemical parameters following venom injection but statistically the changes were not significant. In group 2 rabbits significant (P<0.05) increase in LDH, BUN, urea and creatinine was observed 3 hrs after venom (500 μg/kg) injection. In group 3, the venom injection caused highly significant (P<0.01) elevated level of BUN, creatinine, CPK and CK-MB and significant (P<0.05) elevated level of rest of the biochemical parameters. On the other hand, in this group, electrocardiogram abnormalities such as ST elevation and sinus bradycardia in limb lead II, were indicator of a mild cardiac injury. In conclusion, it seems that the venom of H. lepturus has the cytotoxic components that severely affecting the organs kidney and liver directly and its mechanism of action is quite different from scorpions in buthidea family.