The effect of Tityus scorpion venom on paw edema and macrophage activity, production and mobilization of leukocytes: the role of platelet activating factor

Abstract

The scorpionism is an important public health problem in several countries around the world. In Brazil scorpions from genus Tityus are responsible for the majority of scorpion envenomation. In severe envenomation deaths are not uncommon specially in infants and young children, and cardio-pulmonary disorders are fatal consequences to this group. Pulmonary and systemic inflammation, with leukocytosis and increased levels of circulating cytokines have been reported in both clinical and experimental data. In addition, the ability of T. serrulatus scorpion venom to activate resident macrophages, and the participation of inflammatory mediators such as PAF in the experimental envenomation have been demonstrated. However the mechanisms responsible for development of the inflammatory events triggered by scorpion venom from Tityus genus are unknown, and the actual role of inflammatory mediators in these venom-induced effects remains to be clarified. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of scorpions venoms from Tityus genus (serrulatus and bahiensis) on selected activities (functions) of macrophages, as well as on the production by and mobilization of leukocytes from bone marrow into blood circulation, and paw edema. This study may contribute for a better understanding of the scorpionism physiopathology, and to provide scope for adopting new therapeutic approaches for more efficient treatment of scorpion-induced envenomation. (AU)