Effect of the crude venom of Hemiscorpius lepturus on mortality rate of white mice Download PDF

Introduction: Hemiscorpius lepturus (H. lepturus) is the most venomous scorpion in Iran Its venom can damage vital body organs and cause fatal consequences. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of this scorpion venom on the mortality rates of mice. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on two groups of mice (treatment and control) weighing between 27 and 30 grams of the same age and race.. In the treatment group, 1 micro liter of diluted crude venom of H. lepturus scorpion in 0.1 ml of normal saline was injected with suitable syringe. The control group received 0.1 ml of sterile normal saline. Data obtained from the groups were recorded and analyzed with Chi square and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: The results showed that H.lepturus venom could cause death by as much as 82 percent over 6 to 240 hours. The initial major symptoms of poisoning in mice after injection of venom included humping, lack of nutrition, immobilization, and piloerection. In final stages of life, contractions, severe shaking of legs and occasional moanings were observed, which continued until an hour before death. Conclusion: Not all injections of H.lepturus venom are fatal, in cases where mice had local wounds due to venom injection, they survived. It can be concluded that the injection-induced ulcers in mice are appropriate immune responses against this venom.