Study of the Acute Toxicity of Scorpion Leiurus macroctenus Venom in Rats

Abstract

Background. Te expansion of the territory of human habitation leads to inevitable interference in the natural range of distribution of one or another species of animals, some of which may be dangerous for human life. Scorpions—the Arachnida class and order Scorpiones—can be considered as such typical representatives. Scorpions of the Buthidae family pose a particular danger to humans. However, LD50 has not yet been defned for many species of this family, in particular, new representatives of the genus Leiurus. Leiurus macroctenus is a newly described species of scorpion distributed in Oman, and the toxicity of its venom is still unknown. Estimating the LD50 of the venom is the mfrst and most important step in creating the antivenom and understanding the medical signifcance of the researched animal species. Te purpose of this study was to determine the lethal dose (LD100), the maximum tolerated dose (LD0), and the average lethal dose (LD50) in rats when using Leiurus macroctenus scorpion venom. Methods and Results. 15 sexually mature scorpions were used in the study, which were kept in the same conditions and milked by a common method (electric milking). For the study, 60 male rats were used, which were injected intramuscularly with 0.5ml of venom solution with a gradual increase in the dose (5 groups, 10 rats in each), and 10 rats were injected intramuscularly with physiological solution as control group. LD calculations were done using probit analysis method in the modifcation of the method by V.B. Prozorovsky. Te LD0 of Leiurus macroctenus scorpion venom under the conditions of intramuscular injection was 0.02 mg/kg, LD100was 0.13mg/kg, and LD50was 0.08±0.01mg/kg. Conclusions.Te analysis of scientifc publications and other sources of information gives reas n to believe that Leiurus macroctenus has one of the highest values of LD50 not only among scorpions but also among all arthropods in the world. All these point to the signifcant clinical importance of this species of scorpion and require further research that will concern the toxic efect of its venom on various organ systems. Determining the LD50 of the venom for new scorpion species is crucial for creating efective antivenoms and understanding the medical implications of envenomation by this species.