title: Pathophysiological and neurobehavioral injuries in mice experimentally envenomed with Androctonus liouvillei (Pallary, 1928) scorpion venom.
abstract: The genus Androctonus is represented by 7 scorpion species in Morocco. All studies conducted on the characterization of Androctonus species venom are limited to Androctonus mauritanicus. However, there is other species which arouses also interest of scientists due to their high toxicity. Thus, we chose to assess the toxic effect of Androctonus liouvillei venom by sublethal injection and the effects on some vital organs, by a histological and a biochemical tools. In addition, we aimed to characterize the neurobehavioral impairments, in Swiss mice, 3h, 6h and 12h following envenomation. The LD50 of A. liouvillei scorpion venom was found to be 0.29mg/kg by subcutaneous injection route. Venom administration induced glomerular destruction and disorganization in the Bowman's spac. Examination of lungs showed a remarkable focal rupture of the alveolar structure and intra-alveolar hemorrhage. Concurrently, there was a significant enhancement in the serum enzymes levels of AST, ALT, CPK and LDH, and a high level of glucose and creatinine. Proteinuria was also observed. Regarding the behavioral effects we noted a hypoactivity and anxiogenic-like effect, manifested by an increased time spent in the open arms in groups tested 30min and 12h after the injection. Concomitantly with an increased immobility time in the tail suspension test. The present finding show an obvious profound neuromodulatory effect of A. liouvillei venom manifested by an impaired neurobehavioral and physiological patterns in mice that may in part explain the toxic effect of the venom in human as one of the potent death agents.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Ecology and Environment L2E, (URAC 32, CNRST, ERACNERS 06) Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP 2390-40080 Marakesh, Morocco. Electronic address: Elhidan@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Moulay Abdelmonaim
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: El Hidan
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Ecology and Environment L2E, (URAC 32, CNRST, ERACNERS 06) Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP 2390-40080 Marakesh, Morocco; Polyvalent Laboratory of Research & Development LPVRD, Department of Biology, Polydisciplinary Faculty, University Sultan Moulay Slimane, Beni Mellal, Morocco.
authors.forename: Oulaid
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Touloun
authors.affiliation: Neurosciences, Pharmacology and Environment Unit, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi University Ayyad, Marrakesh, Morocco.
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: El Hiba
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Ecology and Environment L2E, (URAC 32, CNRST, ERACNERS 06) Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, BP 2390-40080 Marakesh, Morocco. Electronic address: aboumezzough@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boumezzough
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects; D019417:Hindlimb Suspension; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D051379:Mice; D009928:Organ Specificity; D012604:Scorpion Venoms / Q000633:toxicity*; D012605:Scorpions
chemical_list: D012604:Scorpion Venoms
keywords: Androctonus liouvillei; Anxiety; Biochemical impairments; Histopathology; Locomotion; Scorpion venom