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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Central effects of Tityus serrulatus and Tityus bahiensis scorpion venoms after intraperitoneal injection in rats

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Author(s):
Nencioni, Ana Leonor A. [1] ; Lourenco, Geane Antiques [1] ; Lebrun, Ivo [2] ; Florio, Jorge Camilo [3] ; Dorce, Valquiria A. C. [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Butantan Inst, Pharmacol Lab, BR-05503900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Butantan Inst, Biochem & Biophys Lab, BR-05503900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Vet Med, Pharmacol Lab, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Neuroscience Letters; v. 463, n. 3, p. 234-238, OCT 9 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 19
Abstract

A great number of studies on scorpion venoms associate their effects to the autonomic nervous system, and few data are available about their action on the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this work was to evaluate some central effects after intraperitoneal injection of Tityus serrulatus or T. bahiensis scorpion venoms. The hippocampal concentration of some neurotransmitters and their metabolites were determined. Electroencephalographic and behavioral observations were performed, and all brains were removed for histopathological analysis of hippocampal areas. Both venoms induced electrographic and behavioral alterations despite T bahiensis venom affects less the electrographic activity than T. serrulatus venom. Neurochemical analysis demonstrated no alteration in the extracellular levels of almost all the neurotransmitters evaluated, at least in the hippocampus, and no neuronal loss in this area was observed. Meanwhile, extracellular concentration of HVA increased up to 10 times in approximately 1/3 of the animals of both groups. Scorpion venoms seem to exert a small but important central effect. More studies in this field are necessary because they may be useful in developing new strategies to reduce the damage caused by scorpion stings. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)