Age-Related Changes in Inflammatory Response after Experimental Envenomation: Impact on the Susceptibility to Androctonus australis hector Venom

In this study, we compared the systemic (blood and lung) and the central (brain) inflammatory responses after injection ofAndroctonus australis hector (Aah) venom to 7 and 21 postnatal days (pnds) and adult mice by subcutaneous route. Results revealed that 7 and 21 pnd mice were more sensitive toAah venom than adults and presented also severe systemic and central inflammatory responses characterized by a high activation of immune cells, NO liberation, and lipid peroxidation. Lymphocyte levels were much lower in young animals than in adults; however, neutrophil levels seemed to be higher in immature mice. The antioxidant GSH and catalase levels were more reduced in 7 and 21 pnd mice compared to adults leading to more pronounced tissular alterations and edema formation in lung and brain. These findings show a relationship between the severity of the pathophysiological effects ofAah venom and the age. The vulnerability of immature animals toAah venom might result from uncontrolled inflammatory response and central nervous system alterations. Data from the present study emphasize the need for the development of age-specific therapeutic modalities.
Source: Inflammation - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research