The Effect of Androctonus Crassicauda Venom on Pathological Changes of Rat

Introduction: Androctonus crassicauda is one of the most dangerous scorpions in the world. This kind of scorpion which is found in tropical regions has been responsible for stinging people which result in dangerous side effects and even death. The study of the effects of this scorpion venom on some laboratory animals can determine the rate of pathological changes in tissue and may help to treat people stung by this scorpion. This study has been carried out in an attempt to show the effects of androctonus crassicauda venom on rats.

Materials and Methods: An experimental study has been performed on 88 albino female rats of the same species and with the approximate age of 2-3 months. 88 rats with a body weight of 200-250g were divided into two equal groups of 44 for control and experimental research. 100 ml of physiological serum was injected into each rat in the control group. Also 100 ml physiological serum with one microlitre of fresh androctonus crassicauda venom was injected into each rat in the experimental group.  Autopsies were carried out to remove organs, which were then studied, and the tissue compared using a microscope to determine its pathological changes. The data were analysed by Fisher Exact Test.

Results: The results of this study showed that by injecting androctonus crassicauda venom into rats body, the mortality of the experimental group was 95.5% and the pathological changes occurred in the brain (64.5%), the liver (%35.3), the lungs (88%), the kidneys (59.7%), the stomach (59.5%), the spleen  (54.75%), the skin (40.85%), the intestine (47%) and the cardiac tissue 4.8%. The pathological changes in these organs which included haemorrhage, congestion, necrosis, edema and inflammation, were from mild to severe. No pathological changes were observed in pancreas or spinal cord.

Conclusion: The study of the pathological changes in different organs of the rats can lead to the diagnosis of the effect of this venom on human being and consequently an appropriate treatment for human being.