Scorpion venoms are composed of several substances with different pharmacological activities.
Neurotoxins exert their effects by targeting
ion channels resulting in toxic effects to mammals, insects and crustaceans. Tb II-I, a fraction isolated from Tityus bahiensis
scorpion venom, was investigated for its ability to induce neurological and immune-inflammatory effects. Two putative β-
sodium channel toxins were identified in this fraction, Tb2 II and Tb 4, the latter having been completely sequenced by mass spectrometry. Male Wistar rats, stereotaxically implanted with intrahippocampal cannulas and
electrodes, were injected with Tb II-I (2 µg/2 µL) via the intrahippocampal route. The behavior, electrographic activity and cellular integrity of the animals were analyzed and the intracerebral level of
cytokines determined. Tb II-I injection induced
seizures and damage in the hippocampus. These alterations were correlated with the changes in the level of the
cytokines tumoral
necrosis factor-α (
TNF-α) and
interleukin-6 (IL-6). Therefore, the binding of Tb II-I to its target in the central nervous system may induce
inflammation resulting in neuropathological and behavioral alterations.