Abstract
Scorpion venom contains various neurotoxic and haemato-pathological peptides with versatile binding affinity of ion channels and transmembrane receptors. Therefore, scorpion toxins have been vital to investigate for researchers. Odontobuthus odonturus is one of the common scorpions in sandy areas of Punjab, Pakistan. In the present study, we evaluated the toxic effect of O. odonturus on sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions by introducing venom in Mus musculus. Animals were treated with different doses (i.e., 120, 170, 200 and 250 mu L) of scorpion venom orally and intraperitoneally. Results showed marked decline in potassium ions of treated groups in both treatment types. However, non-significant effect on sodium ions was recorded. The venom proved to be toxic because noticeable arrythmia, paralysis, congestion and frequent fecal discharge was noticed in treated groups and at 250 mu L dose all the animals were found dead after 18th hour of intraperitoneal treatment. We concluded that venom of O. odonturus contains peptides which are selective against K+ channels which may exhibit fetal effects on nerve impulse transmission and homeostatic balance.