Biochemical studies on the effects of the crude venom of the scorpion Buthus occitanus on the serum of guinea pig

Abstract EN

Scorpion envenoming is a major health hazard in rural areas worldwide.

Scorpion Buthus occitanus is responsible for the majority of dangerous and potentially lethal accidents, particularly in children, in Upper Egypt.

In the present study, the effects of different doses of Buthus occitanus crude venom on the serum biochemical parameters of Guinea pigs were investigated during different time periods (6, 12 and 24 hrs).

Adult male Guinea pigs (600 ± 30 g) were divided into three groups (15 each).

In the control group, animals were interaperitoneally (i.p) injected with 100 μL saline solution.

The second group was i.p.

treated with 0.3 μg/g b.wt.

of the crude venom.

The third group was i.p.

administered with 0.6 μg/g b.wt.

of the crude venom.

The results indicated that crude venom of the scorpion Buthus occitanus induced significant decrease in total serum protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, sodium and chlorine ions levels after 6, 12 and 24 hrs post-injection.

Meanwhile, the level of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose, urea, uric acid, creatinine and potassium ions were significantly increased in envenomed animals compared to control.

It can be suggested that the crude venom of the scorpion Buthus occitanus caused hepatic and renal dysfunction in envenomed Guinea pigs.