Neuro‐Modulation of Immuno‐Endocrine Response Induced by Kaliotoxin of Androctonus Scorpion Venom

Abstract

Kaliotoxin (KTX), a specific blocker of potassium channels, exerts various toxic effects due to its action on the central nervous system. Its use in experimental model could help the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the neuropathological processes related to potassium channel dysfunctions. In this study, the ability of KTX to stimulate neuro-immuno-endocrine axis was investigated. As results, the intracerebroventricular injection of KTX leads to severe structural-functional alterations of both hypothalamus and thyroid. These alterations were characterized by a massive release of hormones' markers of thyroid function associated with damaged tissue which was infiltrated by inflammatory cell and an imbalanced redox status. Taken together, these data highlight that KTX is able to modulate the neuro-endocrine response after binding to its targets leading to the hypothalamus and the thyroid stimulation, probably by inflammatory response activation and the installation of oxidative stress in these organs.

Induced pathophysiological alterations by the venoms of the most dangerous Moroccan scorpions Androctonus mauretanicus and Buthus occitanus: A comparative pathophysiological and toxic-symptoms study

“…Another study conducted by Malih et al 38 showed neuronal darkness, cellular atrophy and atypia, associated with edema and hemorrhages as a result of envenomation by sLD of the Androctonus mauretanicus mauretanicus scorpion, whereas, the toxic fraction of Am venom expressed a neuronal constriction, congestion, vasodilation and edema following intra-cerebroventricular (ICV) administration of a sLD. 39 Experimentally, Ladjel-Mendil et al 14 observed similar damages (edema, hemorrhage, necrosis…) with ICV injection of sLD of purified Kaliotoxin from Androctonus australis hector scorpion venom.…”

“…During a scorpion sting, a very small amount of venom is inoculated causing multiple symptom that can be digestive, vegetative, neurological, cardiovascular, and/or respiratory signs 13,14 and can eventually lead to death.…”

“…9,10,11 These neurotoxins are the most abundant components in the venoms of scorpions from the Buthidae family and may represent more than 73% of the venom composition. 12 During a scorpion sting, a very small amount of venom is inoculated causing multiple symptom that can be digestive, vegetative, neurological, cardiovascular, and/or respiratory signs 13,14 and can eventually lead to death.…”