Courtney F Bartholomew

Exocrine pancreatic response to the venom of the scorpion, Tityus trinitatis

This paper records for the first time the exocrine pancreatic response to scorpion venom, in this case that of Tityus trinitatis, a scorpion endemic in Trinidad. The crude venom injected intravenously into fasting anaesthetised dogs induced a secretion of the exocrine pancreas. The secretion evoked was rich in enzymes.

Action of the venom of the scorpion Tityus trinitatis on pancreatic insulin secretion

In vivo, canine pancreas was stimulated to secrete insulin by the venom of the scorpion Tityus trinitatis; the venom also caused a rise in plasma glucose level as well. The venom-induced insulin secretion was also observed under in vitro conditions in rat pancreatic slices, and this stimulation was dose-related. Maximal effect was observed at 20 micrograms/ml. Atropine (3 x 10(-6) M) completely abolished both venom (20 micrograms/ml)- and acetylcholine (3 x 10(-7) M)-induced insulin secretion. It is suggested that the venom-induced insulin secretion is mediated through muscarinic cholinergic mechanisms.

The action of Tityus trinitatis venom on the canine pancreas

Acute pancreatitis following the sting of the scorpion of Trinidad, Tityus trinitatis has been described (Waterman, 1938; Poon-King, 1963; Bartholomew, 1970). Whereas excessive salivary secretion is well documented as one of the common sequelae of scorpion stings, as far as we are aware no reports have ever been published on the secretory response of the pancreas to scorpion venom. This paper records for the first time the pancreatic exocrine response to scorpion venom, in this case that of T. trinitatis from Trinidad.