Hemolitic action of Naja naja atra cardiotoxin on erythrocytes from different animals

A comparative study on the sensitivity of erythrocytes from different vertebrate species (avian, mammalian and reptilian) to the hemolytic action caused by cardiotoxin isolated from Naja naja atra venom was carried out. Cardiotoxin was able to induce direct hemolysis in washed erythrocytes from several animals, except for llama. The EC50 values from hemolysis of the most sensitive (cat) and the most resistant (snake) animal varied approximately tenfold. According to the cell behavior, it was possible to characterize four types of behavior: The first was observed in cat, horse and human cells; the second in rat, rabbit and dog erythrocytes; and the third only in llama erythrocytes, which were resistant to cardiotoxin concentrations up to 300 æg/ml. Finally, avian and reptilian erythrocytes were more resistant to cardiotoxin III-induced hemolysis than those of the mammalian species.

Blood biochemical profile of the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) in captivity

Blood samples were collected from 180 healthy specimens of the South American rattesnake, Crotalus durissus terrificus, in captivity. All animals were in good clinical condition. Normal biochemical reference values were established for the following: total proteins, albumin, globulins, uric acid, creatinine, urea, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total lipids, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, GOT (AST), GPT (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Samples were obtained by venipuncture of the ventral tail vein. Values were compared with published data for Boidae, Elapidae, and Viperidae.

Hematological values of some Bothrops species (Ophidia - Crotalidae) in captivity

Blood samples of 50 healthy specimens from each of the following species: Bothrops alternatus, Bothrops jararacussu, Bothrops moojeni, and Bothrops neuwiedi diporus all kept in captivity were taken to determine the hematocrit (PCV) value, red blood cell count (RBC), total leukocyte (WBC) and differential leukocyte count, thrombocyte count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hemoglobin concentration (HbC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). These hematological parameters were compared to those obtained from other Bothrops species. PCV values, RBC, hemoglobin, WBC count, and differential leukocyte count are within the range of values reported for other Bothrops species, while the thrombocyte count was significantly lower. All the hematological parameters obtained from the four studied Bothrops species were higher than those described for B. ammodytoides.