Activation of the complement system and leukocyte recruitment by Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom.

The scorpion Tityus serrulatus is considered one of the most dangerous species in Brazil. Its venom evokes an inflammatory response, although the exact mechanism of this effect is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Tityus serrulatus venom (TsV) on the complement system (CS) and on leukocyte recruitment.

Effect of Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom and its major toxin, TsTX-I, on the complement system in vivo.

The effects of Tityus serrulatus venom and TsTX-I (Ts1 or gamma-toxin) on the lytic activity of the complement system (CS) were investigated in vivo. Serum classical pathway (CP) and alternative pathway (AP) activities were determined in sera of rats (200+/-10 g) injected i.p.