title: Assessment of biochemical and hematological parameters in rats injected with Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom.
abstract: The aim of this work was to evaluate the hematological changes induced by Tityus serrulatus venom (TsV). Blood of Wistar rats was collected 0.5, 2, 6 and 24 h after i.p. injection of TsV (0.5 mg/kg) or saline (controls). Two additional groups were injected with 0.67 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg of TsV and the blood was collected after 0.5 and 2 h, respectively. The results showed an increase on hematocrit (Ht), red blood cells (RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration (Hb), albumin and total protein, mainly 2-6 h after envenoming. Increase in serum activities of amylase, creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase were also observed, indicating tecidual damages. Hyperglycemia was observed at all times analyzed, as a consequence of catecholamine release. No significant changes were detected in the urea, [Na(+)] and [Ca(2+)], but an increase of [Mg(2+)], [K(+)] and conductivity was observed. TsV induced a reduction of erythrocytes osmotic fragility as consequence of dehydration and increase in plasma electrolytes concentration, as evidenced by its higher conductivity. This study demonstrated that TsV is able to induce severe hematological changes, that appear within the first hours after envenoming, justifying the seeking of medical attention as soon as possible to avoid worsening of clinical symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Depto. Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto - USP, Av. do Café, s/n, 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: D A C
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Cusinato
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Souza
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vasconcelos
authors.forename: L F L
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Guimarães
authors.forename: F P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Leite
authors.forename: Z M O
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Gregório
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Giglio
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Arantes
mesh_terms: D000418:Albumins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001769:Blood / Q000187:drug effects; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D006400:Hematocrit; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D009997:Osmotic Pressure; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012604:Scorpion Venoms / Q000633:toxicity*; D012605:Scorpions / Q000737:chemistry*; D013997:Time Factors; D018675:Toxicity Tests
chemical_list: D000418:Albumins; D001798:Blood Proteins; D006454:Hemoglobins; D012604:Scorpion Venoms