Find in Library

Among other scorpion species, Colombia has two genera of the Buthidae family <i>Centruroides</i> and <i>Tityus,</i> considered to be dangerous to humans. This research shares scientific knowledge aiming to a better understanding about the pathophysiological effects of such venoms. The venom of the three species: <i>Centruroides margaritarus</i>, <i>Tityus pachyurus</i>, and <i>T</i>. n. sp. aff. <i>metuendus</i> with biomedical interest were studied. An initial pre-glycemic sample was taken from ICR mice. They were later intraperitoneally inoculated with doses of 35% and 70% of LD₅₀ of total venom. Poisoning signs were observed during a 6-h period to determine the level of scorpionism. After observation, a second glycemic sample was taken, and a histopathological evaluation of different organs was performed. This work revealed that all three venoms showed considerably notorious histopathological alterations in main organs such as heart and lungs; and inducing multiple organ failure, in relation to the glycemia values, only <i>C. margaritatus</i> and <i>T.</i> n. sp. aff. <i>metuendus</i> showed significant changes through manifestation of hyperglycemia. According to the Colombian scorpionism level; signs were mild to severe affecting the autonomous nervous system.