Behavioral, biochemical and histopathological alterations induced in Swiss mice by Buthus boumalenii scorpion venom

Abstract

The yellow scorpion, Buthus boumalenii, has long been recognized as a potentially dangerous species endemic to Morocco. However, there is currently no data on the in vivo toxicity or effects of Buthus boumalenii venom, as it has not been studied to the best of our knowledge. In order to achieve the objective of this study, the LD50 of B. boumalenii venom will be initially calculated, followed by determining its impact on vital organs using histological, biochemical, and behavioral analyses. The investigation also explores potential neurobehavioral impairments in Swiss mice at intervals of 3 hours, 6 hours, and 12 hours post-envenomation. The LD50 for Buthus boumalenii scorpion venom in mice was determined to be 353 µg/kg based on body weight. The findings of the study highlight the potential lethality of B. boumalenii. Observations related to the poisoning provide indications of potential tissue damage in specific vital organs. To sum up, the venom from this scorpion has the potential to result in considerable medical complications, including fatalities, particularly in individuals at risk. Consequently, healthcare practitioners should be knowledgeable about the diverse scorpion species in their regions and adhere to contemporary medical protocols when addressing scorpion envenomation.

Keywords:

• Buthus boumalenii venom
• LD50
• neurobehavioral impairments
• biochemical analyses
• tissue damage

Acknowledgments

A great gratitude for Mr. Abderrazak Regragui, a specialist in animal laboratory management, for his immense helpful for the authors of this study.

Ethical approval

All experiments were conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the European Community (Directive 86/609/EEC, 24.11.1986). Significant efforts were made to minimize the number of animals used in the entirety of the experiments.

Author’s contributions

• Conception and design of study: A. Ettitaou, A. Chait.

• Acquisition of data: M. Ait Laaradia, K. Oubella, A. Ettitaou.

• Analysis and interpretation of data: A. Ettitaou, M. Ait Laaradia, R. Aboufatima.

• Drafting the manuscript: A. Ettitaou, M. Ait Laaradia, H. Zraida, A. Chait.

• Revising the manuscript critically for important intellectual content: A. Ettitaou, M. Ait Laaradia, R. Aboufatima, L. El yazouli, A. Chait.

• Approval of the version of the manuscript to be published: A. Ettitaou, M. Ait Laaradia L. El yazouli, A. Chait.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study did not receive dedicated financial support from public, private, or nonprofit organizations.