Acute pancreatitis induced by scorpion toxin, tityustoxin. Histopathological study in rats.

The toxin produced by the Brazilian scorpion Tityrus serrulatus (Tityustoxin) promotes pancreatitis when injected into dogs and rats. The aim of this study is to analyse the histological picture of the rat pancreas at different time intervals after tityustoxin administration. Male adult Wistar rats, weighing 250 +/- 30 g, received i.v. injections of tityustoxin. Different groups were sacrificed after 10, 20 and 40 minutes and after 24 and 96 hours. In all groups the pancreas was removed and examined under light microscope. Results show specific lesions after TsTX administration. After 10, 20 and 40 minutes histological sections of the pancreas showed degeneration with degranulation. After 24 and 96 hours a characteristic picture of acute pancreatitis was evident. Since cellular damage to the pancreas is evident soon after TxTX injection, we suggest a direct action of the venom on this organ. Furthermore, based on these findings, it is possible to claim for a rapid onset of the management of patients offended by scorpion stings.