Cytotoxicity and actin cytoskeleton damage induced in human alveolar epithelial cells by Androctonus australis hector venom

Scorpion venom may injure the lung either by direct toxic effects on alveolar cells or by indirect effects mediated by inflammatory response to the lung. We aimed at investigating the effect of Androctonus australis hector (Aah) venom on the cell adhesion, migration and actin shape on human alveolar epithelial cells (A549). We showed that Aah venom affects the cell integrity of A549 cells. This cytotoxicity is associated with enhanced cell spreading and a decrease of cell motility. Furthermore, the actin distribution is altered. These results bring new insights into the direct effect of Aah, linking lung injury to actin dynamics