In vivo effects of Buthus occitanus tunetanus and Androctonus australis garzoni scorpion venoms on pregnant and non-pregnant rats

B. Hmed (1) , H. Serria (1) , C. Selma (1) , S. Zouheir (1) , R. Tarek (1) , K. Mondher (2) , B. Zakaria (3) , K. Mounir (1)

1 Université de Sfax - University of Sfax
2 Hedi Chaker Hospital [Sfax]
3 Institut Pasteur de Tunis

Scorpion envenomation in pregnant victims has been scarcely studied. Accidents with venomous animals can induce serious injuries for both mothers and embryos. In the current work, the lethality of Buthus occitanus tunetanus (Bot) and Androctonus australis garzoni (Aag) venoms was assessed in pregnant and non-pregnant murine rat models. The median lethal dose (LD 50) was determined following the Spearman-Karber method. Our results showed great similarities of envenomation symptoms between term-pregnant and nonmated rats. An unusual vaginal bleeding was also seen in pregnant rats envenomed with Bot and Aag venoms. Our findings suggest that gestation may increase the venoms toxicity in rats.

Keywords: scorpion venom; Buthus occitanus tunetanus; Androctonus australis garzoni; in vivo effects; gravid rats

Domains: Toxicology

B. Hmed, H. Serria, C. Selma, S. Zouheir, R. Tarek, et al.. In vivo effects of Buthus occitanus tunetanus and Androctonus australis garzoni scorpion venoms on pregnant and non-pregnant rats. Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases, 2008, 14 (2), ⟨10.1590/S1678-91992008000200013⟩. ⟨pasteur-02017387⟩