Haematological effects of Odontobuthus odonturus (Arachnida: Buthidae) venom in albino mice.

Scorpion envenomation represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries. Odontobuthus odonturus is a medically important scorpion that inhibits sandy areas. In the present study we evaluated the in-vivo toxic effects of O. odonturus venom on male albino mice. Scorpions were collected from undisturbed sandy areas of district Sargodha (Punjab), Pakistan. We extracted the venom and injected intraperitoneally into healthy albino mice. Haemato-pathological effects of the venom were studied on different blood parameters i.e., total leucocyte count (TLC), neutrophil count, RBC's count and platelet count, lymphocytes, eosinophils and monocytes. The venom of O. odonturus caused drastic change in blood physiology of treated animals. We observed a significant decrease in RBC's, platelets and lymphocyts of treated animals. However, treated animals showed marked increased in neutrophils, hemoglobin and TLC count. There was no difference in the count of monocytes and eosinophils between treated and control animals. It is concluded from the study that venom of O. odonturus is potentially harmful to mammals as it badly affects the blood physiology which may ultimately leads towards many disorders in the body.