Antivenom injection time related effects of Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion envenomation in rabbits

Abstract

Hemiscorpius lepturus is the most dangerous scorpion species, endemic in Khuzestan province and other southwestern areas of Iran, causing morbidity and mortality in children and adults. The efficacy of the antivenom for reversal of manifestation caused by venom of this scorpion is a controversial issue. In the present work, H. lepturus venom (1500 µg/kg) was subcutaneously injected into two separate groups of rabbits. Groups 1 and 2 of rabbits received antivenom through i.v route, at 1 and 3 hours after venom injection respectively. Electrocardiograms of all the rabbits recorded during the experiment. In group 1 rabbits blood collection carried out, before and 1 hr after venom injection as well as 3 and 24 hours after antivenom injection.In group2 animals, blood collection was carried out before and 3 hours after venom injection as well as 3 and 24 hours after antivenom injection. Separated serum used for determination of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatine kinase isoenzyme, MB (CK-MB), urea ، creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN). In group 1 rabbits highly significant (P