Effect of drugs against cytotoxic compounds from marine animals I-nephrotoxic activity of sea-snake microcephalophis gracilis gracilis venom

ABSTRACT

Protective effectiveness of two Ca2+ - antagonist drugs, verapamil and diltiazem were tested against nephrotoxic activity of sea - snake Microcephalphis gracilis gracilis venom in guinea pigs and albino rats. Administration of both lethal and sublethal does of Microcephalphis gracilis gracilis crude venom induced glomerulonephritis and tubular degeneration in kidneys of envenomated animals accompanied by increased tissue Ca2 + concentration. Administration of both verapamil and diltiazem in envenomated animals not only cause significant decrease in ca2 + concentration but also reduced necrosis and cellular degeneration in kidneys. It is thus suggested that cytotoxic compounds present in this marine vomom cause tissue and cellular necrosis by increasing Ca2+ influx within the cells which in turn stimulates Ca2 + -dependent processes resulting in both organ dysfunction and some - time fatality in few cases