ABSTRACT
The Egyptian Naja nigricollis snake is one of the most dangerous snakes. Its danger is attributed to its highly toxic venom which has severe local and systemic reactions. In the present study the use of electric shock [high voltage low amperage] therapy for the treatment of venomous snake bite was investigated. 80 adult male albino rats were divided equally into 4 groups. By intramuscular [IM] injection into the right thigh group 1 and 2 received injection of saline [solvent]. Group 3 and 4 received IM injection of LD50 of the venom [1.15mg/Kg]. After 5 minutes group 21 and 4 received electric shock therapy delivered from stun gun [5 shocks, 2 seconds each with 10 seconds interval] at the site of IM injection. In the different studied groups ECG changes were monitored throughout the study which extends for 2 hours then the rats were sacrificed. The injected muscle and heart were prepared for light and electron microscopic examinations. The histopathological, ultrastructural and ECG changes in this study revealed that the administration of a singe dose [LD50] of the venom [Gr3] induced severe myotoxicity [degeneration, necrosis and swollen mitochondria of the injected muscle], cardiotoxicity [congestion, necrosis and swollen mitochondria of the myofibrfils] with arrythmias, ischemic manifestations and lethality compared to the control [Gr1] and shock [Gr2] trated groups which showed normal patterns. This severe myotoxicity, caradiotoxicity and lethality were markedly reduced in the shock/venom treated group [Gr4]. In conclusion the high voltage shock therapy by Stun gun has a protective effect against the venom induced myotoxicity cardiotoxicity and lethality