A study on levels of cytokines and their regulators in the adrenal gland of scorpion-envenomed albino male rats

Scorpion envenomation is a major global health challenge, with the Leiurus genus being particularly hazardous. The venom of the newly described species, Leiurus macroctenus, remains poorly understood regarding its composition, organ-specific effects, and the ability to induce immune response in affected tissues. This study analyzed the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and their regulators – transcription factors (NF-κB, HIF-1α) and heat shock proteins (HSP-60, HSP-70) – in the albino male rats adrenal gland following intramuscular injection of L. macroctenus venom. The results revealed a significant increase in the content of all studied proteins, peaking 24 h after venom administration (except for HSP-60, which peaked at 3 h). Among pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-8 showed the most prominent elevation, exceeding control value by 79% at 24 h (p < 0.001). Among anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-4 content increased to a greater extent, being 43% above control (p < 0.001). Similarly, NF-κB and HSP-70 exhibited the largest increases among their corresponding groups, with levels at 24 h being 31% and 17% higher, respectively, than those in the control (p < 0.001). By 72 h, the values of most parameters, except for HSP-60, remained significantly elevated despite a downward trend. Such findings may reflect the ability of L. macroctenus venom to induce an inflammation in the rat adrenal gland. These results contrast with data observed in the kidneys and lungs of rats exposed to the same venom, which may be attributed to the unique microenvironment of adrenal gland and the interplay between stress hormones and immune signals within this organ.