Immune cells recruitment and activation by Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom

Author(s)

Fialho, Eder M. S. ; Maciel, Marcia C. G. ; Silva, Arlley C. B. ; Reis, Aramys S. ; Assuncao, Anne Karine M. ; Fortes, Thiare S. ; Silva, Lucilene A. ; Guerra, Rosane N. M. ; Kwasniewski, Fabio H. ^[1] ; Nascimento, Flavia R. F. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Mogi das Cruzes, Mogi Das Cruzes, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Maranhao, Imunofisiol Lab, CCBS, BR-65085580 Sao Paulo, MA - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Toxicon; v. 58, n. 6-7, p. 480-485, NOV 2011.
• Web of Science Citations: 28

Abstract

Despite several studies showed that the Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom (Tsv) induces an inflammatory response, just a few have investigated the effect of the venom on the immune response. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate alterations of venom application on lymphoid organs and on the recruitment and activation of cells and also on the cytokine production. Swiss male mice (2-3 months, 20-25 g) received a non-lethal dose of crude Tsv (200 mu g/kg), diluted in sterile PBS by subcutaneous route. Control animals received only sterile PBS. The animals were sacrificed after 30, 120 and 360 min. The inflammatory parameters studied were skin histology at the site of venom application, leukocyte count, and blood cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha). Inguinal lymph node, spleen and bone marrow cellularity was determined for evaluation of the Tsv effect on immune system organs. The results showed that Tsv caused no local inflammation, but it induced an increase of blood neutrophils and serum IL-6, TNF-alpha and IL-10. After 360 min of envenomation there was a reduction in the cells number from peritoneum and spleen, but there was an increase in the cell number from lymph nodes. In conclusion, the Tsv induces systemic alterations characterized by changes in the cell number in lymphoid organs, increase pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 05/00846-0 - The effect of Tityus scorpion venom on paw edema and macrophage activity, production and mobilization of leukocytes: the role of platelet activating factor
• Grantee: Fábio Henrique Kwasniewski
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants