Effect of maternal exposure to Tityus bahiensis scorpion venom during lactation on the offspring of rats

Perinatal effects of scorpion venoms: maternal and offspring development

“…In another study, when T. bahiensis venom was injected into mothers during lactation on the 2 nd , 10 th or 16 th days, subtle alterations were observed in the physical parameters of the pups [59]. Such variations included delay in ear opening, in the incisor tooth eruption and unfolding of the ear, as well as alterations in the postural reflexes, such as delay in the surface righting and negative geotaxis [59].…”

“…Such variations included delay in ear opening, in the incisor tooth eruption and unfolding of the ear, as well as alterations in the postural reflexes, such as delay in the surface righting and negative geotaxis [59]. …”

“…According to Martins et al [59], the venom interferes, directly or indirectly, with the maturation of the systems or alters some processes, such as cellular differentiation or repair. The venom promotes the release of several inflammatory mediators, among them, IL-6 [11].…”

“…On the other hand, the injection of the same venom on the 10 th day of pregnancy decreases the general and locomotor activities of males during adulthood [39]. During lactation, depending on the time of application of the venom, there is a subtle increase or decrease of this behavior, in both males and females, in childhood and adulthood [59]. …”

“…The administration of T. bahiensis venom during pregnancy decreases the level of anxiety in males during adulthood, while in females it is increased [39]. During lactation, the anxiety level in females is decreased, but alterations in emotionality were observed in both genders [59]. …”