Venom induced pressure elevation reversible syndrome: a severe pediatric rattlesnake envenomation, evidence for conservative management, and call for naming the syndromeVenom induced pressure elevation reversible syndrome: a severe pediatric rattlesnake envenomation, evidence for conservative management, and call for naming the syndrome

Posted by
  Venom induced pressure elevation reversible syndrome: a severe pediatric rattlesnake envenomation, evidence for conservative management, and call for naming the syndromeVenom induced pressure elevation reversible syndrome: a severe pediatric rattlesnake envenomation, evidence for conservative management, and call for naming the syndrome Abstract Introduction : Rattlesnake envenomation frequently mimics traumatic compartment syndrome, as both are characterized by severe pain, swelling, and elevated compartment pressures. Unlike traumatic compartment syndrome there have been no documented cases of ischemic limb injury after envenomated patients have received antivenom. Furthermore, there is experimental evidence that fasciotomy worsens myonecrosis. This has led medical toxicologists and surgical guidelines to shift from liberally recommending fasciotomy to near universal recommendation of antivenom alone. Despite this, fasciotomies continue to be recommended and performed on rattle...

Acute gonadal toxicity induced by Bothrops atrox venom in mice

Posted by

 


Acute gonadal toxicity induced by Bothrops atrox venom in mice

Abstract

Bothrops atrox is responsible for most snakebite incidents in the Amazon region. Its venom is recognized for causing significant tissue damage and systemic effects. However, its effect on reproductive organs remains poorly explored. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of B. atrox venom on testes and ovaries of adult mice. Male and female mice were exposed to B. atrox venom (½ LD50) via four administration routes subcutaneous (SC), intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV), and intraperitoneal (IP), followed by comprehensive assessment of gonadal histology, sperm function, oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant enzyme activities, and mRNA expression of inflammatory and apoptotic markers. Following B. atrox venom exposure, ovarian histological architecture remained preserved across all routes, whereas testicular tissue exhibited route-dependent injury ranging from moderate luminal apoptosis after SC and IV administration to severe epithelial disorganization and Sertoli cell vacuolization after IM and IP administration. Sperm motility and viability declined significantly after IP injection, accompanied by increased morphological abnormalities. Oxidative stress markers (ROS, NO, H2O2, LOOH, MDA) rose in both sexes, with higher levels in males and maximal induction via the IP route. Antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) decreased in testes but increased in ovaries, indicating divergent redox responses. IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA were strongly upregulated by IP exposure in both sexes, revealing a pronounced inflammatory reaction. Bax expression confirmed increased apoptotic signaling, particularly following IP administration. These findings demonstrate that acute B. atrox envenoming can compromise male gonadal integrity while sparing ovarian structure with preservation of antioxidant enzyme activity, highlighting an overlooked dimension of viperid venom pathophysiology.
Kallel, H., Ghariani, M., Lakhrem, M., Aroui, M., Rebeh, I. B., Boudawara, O., Pujo, J. M., Resiere, D., Alsibai, K. D., Lontsi, G. R., Houcke, S., & Amara, I. B. (2026). Acute gonadal toxicity induced by Bothrops atrox venom in mice. Toxicon, 109243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2026.109243