In vitro activity of duvernoy's gland secretions from the African boomslang, Dispholidus typus, on nerve-muscle preparations

ABSTRACT

In vitro toxicity assays were performed using Duvernoy's gland secretions from the African boomslang, Dispholidus typus, and isolated rat duodenum and frog sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius muscle preparations. The Duvernoy's gland secretions of D. typus had no apparent effect on the frog sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius muscle preparation. The secretions produced an increase in baseline tonus and an increase in the rhythmic contractile force of the rat duodenum, but had no significant effect on the frequency of contractions. Atropine sulfate (10 (-6)M) effectively antagonized the excitatory effects of the Duvernoy's gland secretions at concentrations 200 µ/ml. Although the coagulopathic effects of D. typus are well documented, this report provides preliminary data indicating effects of this venom on neuromuscular preparations.