Effect of scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus (H&E) venom on the clinical chemistry parameters of the rat.

Egyptian scorpion venom was collected by electrical stimulation of the telson. Rats were injected with the lyophilized venom in 3 different doses (100, 200 and 400 micrograms/kg). Blood samples were drawn by heart puncture before and 4 h after venom administration. Serum was separated and collected for determination of glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, uric acid (UA), total proteins, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), lactate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase (CPK). Serum glucose, creatinine, GOT, GPT and LDH were increased significantly in all treatments. At the same time serum BUN and CPK were elevated significantly with a dose-response relationship. On the other hand, serum total proteins, uric acid, cholesterol, calcium and potassium were significantly decreased 4 h after administration of the 3 doses. These changes in clinical chemistry parameters are most probably related to the toxic effect of the venom on the target organs.