Lethal toxic Dose [i.p LD50], total protein contents and comparative hemolytic potential of [99mTc labeled and non-labeled] Naja naja karachiensis venom

ABSTRACT

Recent recognition about snake bite envenomation on June, 2017 as neglected tropical disease under categoryA by World Health Organization advocated again its undeniable importance. Present circumstances reasoned to work on a neglected subspecies of Naja naja, i.e., Naja naja karachiensis [N. n. karachensis] has been documented for frequent deaths in Pakistan. In this study median lethal toxic dose [LD50] was determined intraperitoneally in Swiss albino mice and was found to be 2.0microg/g [2.0mg/kg] equal in potency to Naja pallida [red spitting African cobra]. Total protein contents [188+/-0.011microg / 200microg of dry weight] were high enough [94%] to represent an arsenal of proteins. Furthermore, 99mTc was labeled 99.9% with venom and didn't find to alter hemolytic activity of venom in dose dependent manner at 125 microg/ml [p<0.5], 250 microg/ml [p<0.1] and 500 microg/ml [p<0.1] when compared with its crude form. Present work will pave the way for proteomics study in effective production of antidote against specific species of snakes as dare demand of it has been felt since long period of time in Pakistan