Effects of Androctonus crassicauda Scorpion Venom on the Heart Tissue

The aim of this research was to determine the presence of cardiac injury in rabbit animal model with envenomed Androctonus crassicauda venom by serial measurements of cardiac troponin I and assessed the histopathologic changes of the heart for evaluation of the extent of damages. Experimental envenomations were performed by intravenous of 0.5 mL of PSS containing a scorpion venom. Blood samples were collected from each am. al (0 min [control]) before envenomation. Blood samples were collected from each animal on the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 24th h after venom injection. Serum cardiac troponin I level determined using abbot architect troponin I kit (Abbott Laboratories, USA). Cardiac tissues taken from envenomed animals were for histopathological examination after 24 h. The scorpion venom led to significantly increased in serum cardiac troponin I enzyme activities at the 3rd, 6th and 24th h after injection when compared with those of the control group. In vivo effects of the venom observed such as salivation, lacrimation, deep dyspnea and tachypnea in rabbits. Histopathological examination of heart tissue was showed development of myocardial injury. This study demonstrated that Androctonus crassicauda venom may be cause development of myocardial injury. The using of cardiac troponiri I as a follow-up criterion in. the scorpion envenoming may be allow early establishing of the cardiac involvement