Evidence of venom variability associated with venom extraction interval in the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia)

Posted by
  Evidence of venom variability associated with venom extraction interval in the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) Abstract Snake venom variability is a critical factor in antivenom production. Although several influencing factors have been studied, the impact of extraction interval on venom properties remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of various extraction intervals on venom yield, the percentage of dry weight (%Dw), and composition in the monocled cobra ( Naja kaouthia ). Twenty-five captive snakes were randomly allocated to five groups, each undergoing a control extraction followed by a repeated extraction at 1, 4, 7, 10, or 14 days. Venom profiles were characterized using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results indicated that while fresh venom yield remained stable across all intervals, %Dw significantly decreased in extractions performed between 1 and 10 days, ...

A Comprehensive Pathophysiologic, Histologic, and Biochemical Analysis of Buthus paris (C. L. Koch, 1839) Venom

Posted by

 


A Comprehensive Pathophysiologic, Histologic, and Biochemical Analysis of Buthus paris (C. L. Koch, 1839) Venom

Abstract

Introduction

Buthus species, including B paris, are classified as one of the most dangerous scorpion genera in Morocco, implicated in several cases of human death. Our objective is to characterize, for the first time, the toxicity and histopathologic and biochemical impacts of B paris venom.

Methods

We investigated the experimental pathophysiology of B paris venom by examining histologic changes in vital organs (heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs) and assessing biochemical enzymatic markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, urea, and creatinine) in mice injected subcutaneously with 2 doses of 400 and 450 mg·kg–1.

Results

Our results showed that the subcutaneous median lethal dose of B paris venom was around 0.52 mg·kg–1. Histologic findings revealed significant tissue damage in the previously mentioned vital organs, confirmed through biochemical analysis indicating impaired heart and liver functions. Additionally, an increase in urea, creatinine, and glucose levels occurred following B paris venom injection.

Conclusion

Our findings show that B paris venom exhibits a high level of experimental toxicity. These results highlight the potentially lethal nature of this venom and emphasize the potential medical importance of this species.

Elmourid A, Elhidan MA, Boussaa S, et al. A Comprehensive Pathophysiologic, Histologic, and Biochemical Analysis of Buthus paris (C. L. Koch, 1839) Venom. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/10806032241249748