Pathogenesis of local necrosis induced by < i > Naja atra < /i > venom: Assessment of the neutralization ability of Taiwanese freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom in animal models

by Chien-Chun Liu, Yu-Shao Chou, Chun-Yu Chen, Kuei-Lin Liu, Guo-Jen Huang, Jau-Song Yu, Cho-Ju Wu, Geng-Wang Liaw, Cheng-Hsien Hsieh, Chun-Kuei ChenNaja atra envenomation is one of the most significant clinical snakebite concerns in Taiwan. Taiwanese freeze-dried neurotoxic antivenom (FNAV) is currently used clinically for the treatment of cobra snakebite, and has been shown to limit the mortality of cobra envenomation to less than 1%. However, more than half of victims (60%) require surgery because of local tissue necrosis, a major problem in patients with cobra envenomation. Although the importance of evaluating the neutralizing effect of FNAV on this pathology is recognized, whether FNAV is able to prevent the local necrosis extension induced byN.atra venom has not been investigated in detail. Cytotoxins (CTXs) are considered as the major components ofN.atra venom that cause necrosis. In the current study, we isolated CTXs from whole cobra venom and used both whole venom and purified CTXs to develop animal models for assessing the neutralization potential of FNAV against venom necrotizing activity. Local necrotic lesions were successfully produced in mice using CTXs in place of wholeN.atra venom. FNAV was able to rescue mice from a subcutaneously injected lethal dose of cobra venom; however, it was unable to prevent CTX-induced dermo-necrosis. Furthermore, using the minimal necrosis dose (MND) of CTXs and venom proteome data, we found a dose of wholeN.atra venom suitable ...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research