Короткий опис (реферат):
Scorpionism is a widespread phenomenon occurring in various regions of the world and
poses particular danger to elderly individuals and children. Despite numerous cases of
scorpion venom exposure in humans, only a limited number of publications describe
the clinical picture, especially regarding respiratory system involvement. Even fewer
studies address morphological changes in the lungs or bronchi of deceased individuals
or laboratory animals, particularly at different time intervals after a scorpion sting.
These gaps at the morphological level, even with a relatively well-studied pathogenetic
mechanism of scorpion venom action, do not allow for a complete understanding of its
toxic effects. Only through comprehensive investigation of the venom is it possible not
only to develop effective antivenoms but also to explore its potential as a promising
therapeutic agent. The aim of the study was to determine microscopic and morphometric
changes in the bronchi and lung parenchyma of rats three hours after administration
of Leiurus macroctenus scorpion venom. Ten male rats maintained under vivarium
conditions were used and divided into two groups of five animals each: group 1 (control)
received physiological saline, and group 2 received scorpion venom at a dose of
28.8 μg/ml. Three hours after administration, the animals were euthanized and the
lungs were collected for histological examination. For microscopic and morphometric
analysis, 4-5 μm sections (stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Azan Trichrome) and
semi-thin sections of 1-2 μm (stained with methylene blue) were prepared. Microscopy
was performed at magnifications ranging from ×40 to ×1000 using an OLIMPUS
BX 41 microscope. Morphometric analysis was conducted using Quickphoto Micro
2.3 software. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using the licensed
software package “Statistica 6.0” with nonparametric methods. Three hours after
venom administration, pronounced inflammatory changes developed in the lungs of
experimental animals, manifested by massive lymphocytic-neutrophilic infiltration, most
intense around medium- and small-diameter bronchi and bronchioles, up to partial
destruction of their walls, fragmentation of muscle bundles, and adventitial edema.
The interalveolar space was dominated by basophils, eosinophils, and macrophages,
indicating a marked inflammatory response. In the parenchyma, areas of distelectasis
alternated with emphysematous regions, where focal destruction of interalveolar
septa and fluid accumulation were observed. Morphometric analysis demonstrated
a decrease in alveolar width, alveolar entrance width, and alveolar depth (p=0.112,
p=0.008, and p=0.174, respectively), as well as a statistically significant narrowing
of the conducting portion of respiratory bronchioles (p=0.045). A tendency toward
redistribution of air between the alveolar and bronchiolar compartments was identified,
reflected histologically by changes in morphometric ratios. The obtained data indicate
the development of acute inflammatory-destructive lung injury with impaired ventilatory
function already at early stages after intoxication. The combination of observed
microscopic changes suggests the formation of structural remodeling of the lung
parenchyma as early as three hours after venom administration in laboratory animals.
