Histopathological changes induced by Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom in mice

Envenomation by Hemiscorpius lepturus (H. lepturus) is associated with local necrosis, followed by systemic manifestations. In this work the LD50 of H. lepturus venom were determined by subcutaneous (SC) injection in white Balb/c mice (5 mg/kg). Histopathological alterations in organs such as kidney, heart, liver, lungs, stomach and intestine were determined in 3, 6, 12 and 24 h following experimental (SC) envenoming injection of one LD50 of the venom in Balb/c mice. Histological studies showed degenerative changes in the kidney with disorganized glomeruli and necrotic tubular in 3 h and reached to its climax in 6 h. Myocardium showed massive myocytolysis with interstitial necrosis in 3 h and reached to its peak after 6 h past envenoming. Bowels showed edema of lamina propria and slight villous necrosis. The enzymatic activities of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly increased in the serum in 9 h. No necrotic lesion observed in lungs and liver. The results indicate that the venom of H. lepturus is a highly cytotoxic, and induces massive tissue damages in specific organs, starting from the heart and kidney as the first target in 3 h and ends to the bowels in 6 h post envenomation.

► The amount of LD50 of H. lepturus venom in white Balb/c mice was 5 mg/kg.
► Toxicity by H. lepturus showed degenerative changes in mice internal organs using 1LD50.
► We found that Kidney showed disorganized glomeruli and necrotic tubular, and heart muscle with massive degeneration.
► Bowels showed massive edema of lamina propria and slight villous necrosis.
► No necrotic lesion observed in lungs and liver by H. lepturus envenomation.