Effects of Russell's viper venom on blood coagulation, platelets and fibrinolysis.

The effects of Russell’s viper venom on blood coagulation, platelets and fibrinolysis were studied after injecting MLD, 1⁄2 MLD and 1:10 MLD intramuscularly in rabbits. RVV was shown to be a strong coagulant in vivo resulting in thrombocytopenia, prolongation of PT, APTT, Thrombin Time and fall of fibrinogen levels. Process of intravascular clotting was very acute in animals receiving MLD and 1⁄2MLD doses of venom and there was no change in red blood cell morphology. Raised levels of serum FDPs indicated activation of fibrinolysis. Animals receiving 1:10 MLD showed in addition to disturbance of Coagulation; changes in red blood cells morpholgy and more prominant activation of fibrinolysis. These findings showed that RVV in vivo causes consumption coagulopathy and activated fibrinolytic enzyme system. The results of low doses group resemble more to what have been observed in patients of RV bite (JPMA 33:81, 1983).