Indian red scorpion venom-induced augmentation of cardio-respiratory reflexes and pulmonary edema involve the release of histamine

► Mesobuthus tamulus venom augments PBG reflexes and produces pulmonary edema. ► Venom-induced responses are mediated through histamine H1 receptor. ► Mast cells depletion blocked the venom-induced responses. ► Results indicate that venom stimulates mast cells to release histamine to produce the responses.