1 research outputs found
Histopathological changes in avian kidney caused by Bothrops insularis (jararaca ilhoa) venom and a phospholipase A2-containing fraction
The histopathological changes induced in
avian kidney by the intramuscular injection of Bothrops
insularis (jararaca ilhda) venom and its phospholipase
A2 (PLA2)-containing fraction were examined. Acute
experiments (3 h and 24 h) with B. insularis crude
venom (20 pg and 80 pg) or its PLA2-contaning fraction
(10 pg and 40 pg) resulted in significant structural
damage to the kidneys of 5-12-day-old chicks.
Histopathological analysis indicated that the venom and
its fraction acted on the renal tubules and glomeruli. The
morphological changes, although widespread, varied in
intensity from cell to cell, and from tubule to tubule in
venom-injected chicks. The tubular and glomerular
changes produced by the venom and its PLA2-containing
fraction may be the result of a direct cytotoxic effect
potentiated by ischemia-related disturbances in the
regional hemodynamics. The venom and its fraction
affected more segments along reptilian-type nephrons
than along mammalian ones. This divergent sensitivity to
the venom and its fraction may reflect the speciesspecific
characteristics of B. insularis snake, an example
of geographical isolation influencing its diet which is
almost exclusively avian