Experimental Tityus serrulatus scorpion envenomation: age- and sex-related differences in symptoms and mortality in mice

Pucca MB (1), Roncolato EC (1), Campos LB (1), Fernandes FS (1), Mendes GR (1), Bertolini TB (1), Cerni FA (2), Barbosa JE (1)

(1) Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil; (2) Department of Physics and Chemistry, Ribeirão Preto School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil.

Abstract: Among the various methods for evaluating animal venom toxicity, the calculation of the median lethal dose (LD50) is the most widely used. Although different protocols can be used to calculate the LD50, the source of the venom and the method of extraction, as well as the strain, age, and sex of the animal model employed, should be taken into consideration. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of sex and age on the toxicity of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom in Swiss mice. Although the symptoms of envenomation were similar in male and female animals, female mice proved to be more resistant to the venom. In females, age had no impact on the susceptibility to scorpion envenomation. Male mice were more sensitive to T. serrulatus venom. Moreover, in males, age was an important parameter since sensitivity to the venom increased with age.

Key words: scorpions, LD50, stings, age factors, gender.

COPYRIGHT

© CEVAP 2011

SUBMISSION STATUS

Received: March 21, 2011.

Accepted: May 27, 2011.

Abstract published online: May 30, 2011.

Full paper published online: August 31, 2011.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

There is no conflict.

FINANCIAL SOURCE

The State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) and the National Institute of Toxin Science and Technology (INCTTOX) provided the financial grants (process number 573790/2008-6). The Waldemar Barhsley Pessoa Foundation also offered financial support. Additionally, Manuela B. Pucca received a fellowship from the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES).

ETHICS COMMITTEE APPROVAL

The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee on Animal Experimentation of the Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, USP, under the protocol number 109/2010. Moreover, it follows the ethical principles in animal research adopted by the Brazilian Society of Laboratory Animal Science (SBCAL/COBEA).

CORRESPONDENCE TO

MANUELA B. PUCCA, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, USP, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14049-900, Brazil. Phone: +55 16 36024563 and +55 16 36023315. Email: manupucca@hotmail.com.