2 research outputs found
The Triterpenoid Betulin Protects against the Neuromuscular Effects ofBothrops jararacussuSnake VenomIn Vivo
[EN] We confirmed the ability of the triterpenoid betulin to protect against neurotoxicity caused by Bothrops jararacussu snake venom
in vitro in mouse isolated phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND) preparations and examined its capability of in vivo protection using
the rat external popliteal/sciatic nerve-tibialis anterior (EPSTA) preparation. Venom caused complete, irreversible blockade in
PND (40 g/mL), but only partial blockade (∼30%) in EPSTA (3.6 mg/kg, i.m.) after 120 min. In PND, preincubation of venom
with commercial bothropic antivenom (CBA) attenuated the venom-induced blockade, and, in EPSTA, CBA given i.v. 15 min
after venom also attenuated the blockade (by ∼70% in both preparations). Preincubation of venom with betulin (200 g/mL)
markedly attenuated the venom-induced blockade in PND; similarly, a single dose of betulin (20 mg, i.p., 15 min after venom)
virtually abolished the venom-induced decrease in contractility. Plasma creatine kinase activity was significantly elevated 120 min
after venom injection in the EPSTA but was attenuated by CBA and betulin. These results indicate that betulin given i.p. has a
similar efficacy as CBA given i.v. in attenuating the neuromuscular effects of B. jararacussu venom in vivo and could be a useful
complementary measure to antivenom therapy for treating snakebite