Morphological Changes in Various Tissues After Russell'S Viper (Vipera Russelli) Envenomation

Abstract

Background: The effects of Russell 's viper Venom (RVV) on tissues were studied in 24 Rabbits
injected with 1 MLD, ½ MLD and 1:20 MLD RVV.
Materials and Methods: Lungs, Livers and Kidneys of these animals were examined by light
microscope. Lungs and Liver of all animals of all groups showed intravascular clotting with RBC
sludging & formation of platelet thrombi.
Results: Kidneys of 1 MLD and ½ MLD group showed congestion of glomerular capillaries
whereas interstitial blood vessels showed RBC sludging and platelet thrombi. Kidneys of 1:20
MLD group showed proliferation of endothelial and mesangial cells with degeneration of both
proximal and distal tubules indicating both direct nephrotoxic action of RVV as well as damage
produced by DIC like action of the venom.
Conclusion: The results of present work show that RVV produces DIC and haemodynamic
changes in blood vessels of various organs in acute poisoning. In chronic poisoning in addition
to DIC the Nephrotoxic effects are more prominent. Nephropathy seems to be due to both DIC
and direct Neprotoxic effects of the venom.