Effects of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom on thromboelastogram in rats

• First time thromboelastometry was recorded in scorpion venom intoxication.
• Intravenous injection of tityustoxin induces hypercoagulability.
• Hypercoagulation caused by scorpion toxin may be related to inflammatory response.

Thromboelastometry was used to evaluate blood coagulation in anesthetized rats after intravenous administration of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom (Tx). Tracheostomy followed by catheterization of the left jugular vein and right carotid artery were performed for Tx or Ringer's lactate solution injection and blood sample harvesting, respectively. Blood samples were obtained at the beginning of the experiments (baseline) and at two, five, 15, 30, and 60 min after intoxication. The following coagulation parameters were analyzed: CT (Clotting Time), CFT (Clotting Formation Time), Alpha Angle (α), MCF (Maximum Clot Firmness) and TPI (Thrombodynamic Potential Index). Toxin-induced hypercoagulability was demonstrated at the 15 and 60 min. We hypothesize Tx-induced hypercoagulability and enhanced clot formation could be explained by catecholamine release, systemic inflammatory response, and complement system activation, at least in the first hour after envenomation. Further studies are needed to determine the molecular mechanism of Tx-induced coagulopathy.