Aims: 

The scorpion toxins have important effects on autonomic nervous system and heart by their action on ion channels. This experiment was designed to study the electrocardiographic changes of Hemiscorpious lepturus toxin, and the protective role of insulin and antivenom therapy.

Methods: 

Thirty six male New Zealand white rabbits with an average weight of 2000 ± 200g were divided randomly into A (control), B, C and D groups, and each group divided into three subgroups. The subgroups 1, 2 and 3 in all four groups were injected with 1, 2 and 3 mg/g (SC) of Hemiscorpious lepturus venom respectively. Insulin (0.25 IU/kg, IM), antivenom (2ml/ BW, IM) and insulin plus antivenom were administered to groups B, C and D respectively, 20min after envenoming. The electrocardiogram was taken before and after 15, 60, and 180 minutes of envenoming.

Results: 

The distinguished electrocardiographic disorders were ST segment depression, reduced T wave amplitude, notch in R wave, increase of QRS complex duration, and tachycardia. The incidence of the disorders was greater in group A, and they were lower in B, C, and D groups. The electrocardiographic disorders were not lower in group D in comparison with groups B and C.

Conclusion: 

Most of the disorders, especially ST segment depression and T wave changes can be related to myocardial ischemia. We suggest that treatment of the envenomed rabbits with insulin and antivenom reduces the electrocardiographic changes but the combined treatment has no any more benefit.