Background and Aim: The release of inflammatory cytokines is one of the most important factors involved in the
pathogenesis of scorpion stings. Only minutes to hours after a scorpion sting, a massive release of neurotransmitters leads to clinical symptoms.
Materials and Methods: In this study, a comparative study of the effects of Androctonus crassicoda, Hottentotta saulcyi
and Mesobuthus eupeusscorpion venom on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in rat has been done. After the determination of LD50 poison of three types of scorpions, 1/3 LD50 dose in 0.5 ml of physiological plasma by subcutaneous injection per rat (16 rat for each venom) also 0.5 ml of physiological plasma was injected subcutaneously to the control group (n-16). After 4, 24 and 72 hours of venom injection, heparinized blood samples were taken from the hearts of rat and ELISA diagnostic method was used to determine the plasma levels of cytokines (IL6 and IL-10).
Results: comparing plasma IL-10 levels in the control and treatment groups (by Androctonus crassicauda scorpion venom), there was no statistically significant difference between the mean plasma IL-10 levels at 0 and 24h in the control and treatment groups. it was observed that the plasma level of IL-10 at 4 hours after injection of the venom Hottentotta saulcyi was significantly increased compared to its value at zero time (p <0/05). it was observed that the amount of IL-10 at 24 hours after injection of the Mesobuthus eupeus venom was reduced compared to the amount at 4 hours and this difference was significant (p < 0/05). the plasma level of IL-6 showed a significant increase in 24 hours after the injection of venom (Androctonus crassicoda) compared to its value in 4 hours after the injection of venom (P<0.05). after injection of the venom Hottentotta saulcyi the Plasma IL-6 levels were significantly increased at 4 h compared to 0 h. (p<0.05) But there was no significant difference between 4h and 24h times. At 72 h, plasma IL-6 levels had significantly reduced compared to 4 h and 24 h (p <0.05). The results showed that it was observed that in the group treated with scorpion (Mesobuthus eupeus) venom, the plasma level of IL-6 at 4 hours after injection of the venom compared to its value at time zero. Significance decreased (p <0.05).
Conclusion: Balance between cytokines plays a pivotal role in the development of clinical symptoms in scorpion stings
and Changes in the level of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines can be used as a new clinical finding to examine the condition of patients and perform appropriate therapeutic interventions to reduce the complications of scorpion stings