Effect of Crotalus Atrox Venom on Peritoneal and Spleen Cell and Mediators Production

Objective: Snake venom is a complex mixture of many substances such as toxins, enzymes, growth factors, activators and inhibitors with a wide spectrum of biological activities. The envenomation caused by Crotalus atrox venom (VCat) in human is characterized by clinical signs and symptoms resulting from excessive systemic host response. It has been proposed that immune injury is the central mechanism of envenomation. In this study, we investigated the effect of VCat on peritoneal and spleen cells number, splenic index and mediators production from groups of female CD1 mice. Materials: Quantitative analysis of peritoneal and spleen cells was carried out by determined by hemocytometer. The mediators production such as IL-6 and IL-10 levels were determined by enzyme-like immunosorbent assay, whereas TNF and nitrite levels were detected by standard assay with L929 cells and colorimetric Griess reactive, respectively. Results: The present study showed that mice exposed to VCat presented the following: a) significant reduction in peritoneal cells number; b) severe reduction in spleen cells number and pronounced atrophy of spleen volume, c) marked increase in mediators production in the first times after exposition and d) the ratios of TNF/IL-10 showed predominantly an anti-inflammatory response for groups of animals injected with acute doses. Conclusion: In conclusion the peritoneal and spleen cells were found to be severely reduced by VCat. The pronounced reduction of the cells number was an important indicator that this venom affects a wide range of immune cell types. The extent of damage to the immune cells appeared to be related to the length of severe envenomation.