Clinical outcomes in a murine model after envenoming by the Amazonian scorpions Tityus strandi and Tityus dinizi

Author(s)

Martins, Jonas Gama ; Reis, Mouzarllem Barros ; Zuanazzi, Beatriz Acquaroni ; Bordon, Karla de Castro Figueiredo ; Zoccal, Karina Furlani ; Procopio, Rudi Emerson de Lima ; Arantes, Eliane Candiani

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Toxicon; v. 246, p. 8-pg., 2024-06-10.

Abstract

The Brazilian Amazon is home to a rich fauna of scorpion species of medical importance, some of them still poorly characterized regarding their biological actions and range of clinical symptoms after envenoming. The Amazonian scorpion species Tityus strandi and Tityus dinizi constitute some of the scorpions in this group, with few studies in the literature regarding their systemic repercussions. In the present study, we characterized the clinical, inflammatory, and histopathological manifestations of T. strandi and T. dinizi envenoming in a murine model using Balb/c mice. The results show a robust clinical response based on clinical score, hyperglycemia, leukocytosis, increased cytokines, and histopathological changes in the kidneys and lungs. Tityus strandi envenomed mice presented more prominent clinical manifestations when compared to Tityus dinizi, pointing to the relevance of this species in the medical scenario, with both species inducing hyperglycemia, leukocytosis, increased cytokine production in the peritoneal lavage, increased inflammatory infiltrate in the lungs, and acute tubular necrosis after T. strandi envenoming. The results presented in this research can help to understand the systemic manifestations of scorpion accidents in humans caused by the target species of the study and point out therapeutic strategies in cases of scorpionism in remote regions of the Amazon. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/11936-3 - Center for Translational Science and Biopharmaceutical Development
• Grantee: Benedito Barraviera
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Science Centers for Development
• FAPESP's process: 23/01083-9 - Prospection of bioactive peptides with antitumor activity isolated from scorpion venoms from the Brazilian Amazon
• Grantee: Eliane Candiani Arantes Braga
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants