Kinetics of brain oxidative stress in mice after envenomation by Hottentotta gentili (Pallary, 1924).

Oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the antioxidant defense system, plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of scorpion envenomation on oxidative stress and its kinetics, using the venom of the scorpion species Hottentotta gentili (Pallary, 1924). To this end, we analyzed the temporal evolution of several oxidative stress markers in the central nervous system of mice at different time intervals (1 h, 3 h, 6 h, and 24 h) following a subcutaneous injection of a sublethal dose of scorpion venom (0.35 mg/kg). In parallel, we indirectly assessed acetylcholine levels during envenomation by measuring the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a key enzyme involved in acetylcholine hydrolysis. Our results demonstrated a marked increase in oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and catalase (CAT), in the brains of envenomed mice. Concurrently, a significant decrease in AChE activity was observed. Together, these findings confirm the involvement of oxidative stress processes in the deleterious effects induced by Hottentotta gentili venom and suggest a modulatory effect on acetylcholine release.