Body distribution of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom in mice and effects of scorpion antivenom

Abstract In the present study we report the distribution of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom in serum and various tissues of CF1 mice and the efficacy of antivenom in reducing venom concentration. The animals were injected s.c. with 10 μg of scorpion venom, divided into groups of four animals and killed at different times from 15 min to 24 hr. Blood samples and samples of different tissues (heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, brain and injection site) were collected. Maximum venom levels occurred at 15 min in the kidney and liver and at 30 min in serum, lung, heart and spleen. After 2 hr the venom decreased rapidly in serum and in all other organs until venom levels were no longer detectable after 8 hr. No venom was detected in the central nervous system. In another experiment, 10 μl of scorpion antivenom was injected i.v. together with the venom, and a rapid reduction of venom concentration was observed in the blood and tissues. In the third experiment, anti-scorpion venom was injected i.v. 1 hr after venom administration, and partial reduction of venom concentration was detected in tissues (lung and kidney). These studies contribute to the elaboration of more objective treatment that may result in a more economic, efficient and controlled use of scorpion antivenom in stings involving humans.