Effect of heprin on Russell's viper venom envenomated experimental rabbits

ABSTRACT

Effects of heparin were studied on 20 Russell's Viper Venom (RVV) envenomated rabbits. After injection with LD 100 dose of RVV, the experimental animals were divided into four groups. Group 1 rabbits were left untreated; in Group II antivenom treatment was given; in Group III antivenom plus heparin was administered intravenously and in Group IV heparin alone was given. Effectiveness of heparin therapy was assessed by comparing the changes in the blood screening tests of haemostasis such as prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT), survival rate, degree of congestion and haemorrhage in the kidneys, presence or abscence of fibrin deposition and acute tublar necrosis in the kidneys of different groups of animals. Results showed no significant differences in the blood tests and fibrin deposition in the kidneys. However, there is an increase in the survival rate, as well as reduction in the severity of congestion, haemorrhage and acute tubular necrosis of the kidneys in the rabbits treated with specific antivenoms (ASV) plus heparin (Group III) over that treated with antivenom alone (Group II) and heparin alone (Group IV).