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Effects of Crotalus durissus collilineatus venom in the isolated rat kidney
Daniela N Amora1, Ticiana M Sousa, Alice M C Martins
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Clinical Research Unit, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil. daniela_amora@bol.com.br
Abstract:
Ophidian accidents caused by the subspecies Crotalus durissus are responsible for high morbity and mortality rates. Acute renal failure is a common complication observed in these accidents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the renal effects promoted by the venom of C. d. collilineatus and its fractions, crotoxin and phospholipase A2. C. d. collilineatus (Cdc; 30 microg mL(-1)), crotoxin (CTX; 10 microg mL(-1)) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2; 10 microg mL(-1)) were tested in isolated rat kidney. The first 30 min of each experiment were used as an internal control and Cdc or its fractions, CTX and PLA2 were added to the system after this period. All experiments lasted 120 min. The venom of Cdc decreased perfusion pressure (PP; control120 = 110.3 +/- 3.69 mmHg; Cdc120 = 96.7+/-8.1 mmHg), renal vascular resistance (RVR; control120 = 6.42+/-0.78 mmHg mL g(-1) min(-1); Cdc120 = 4.8+/-0.56 mmHg/mL g(-1) min(-1)), urinary flow (UF; control120 = 0.19+/-0.03 mL g(-1) min(-1); Cdc120 = 0.12 +/- 0.01 mL g(-1) min(-1)), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR; control120 = 0.79 +/- 0.07 mL g(-1) min(-1); Cdc120 = 0.53 +/- 0.09 mL g(-1) min(-1)), but had no effect on the percent of sodium tubular transport (%TNa+), percent of chloride tubular transport (%TK+) and percent of potassium tubular transport (%TCl-). CTX and PLA2 reduced the GFR, while UF, PP and RVR remained stable during the full 120 min of perfusion. Crotoxin administration also diminished the %TK+ (control120 = 69.94 +/- 6.49; CTX120 = 33.28 +/- 4.78) and %TCl- (control120 = 79.53 +/- 2.67; CTX120 = 64.62 +/- 6.93). PLA2 reduced the %TK+, but exerted no effect on the %TNa+ or on that of TCl-. In conclusion, the C. d. collilineatus venom altered the renal functional parameters evaluated. We suggest that crotoxin and phospholipase A2 were involved in this process, since the renal effects observed would be due to the synergistic action of the components of the venom.
Insights
The venom of Crotalus durissus collilineatus and its components, crotoxin and phospholipase A2, significantly impair kidney function. These snake venom components reduce filtration rate and alter tubular transport, contributing to acute renal failure in ophidian accidents.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nephrology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ophidian accidents caused by Crotalus durissus subspecies lead to severe morbidity and mortality.
- Acute renal failure is a frequent and serious complication of these envenomations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the renal effects of Crotalus durissus collilineatus venom and its isolated fractions, crotoxin (CTX) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2).
- To elucidate the specific roles of CTX and PLA2 in the nephrotoxicity induced by C. d. collilineatus venom.
Main Methods:
- Isolated rat kidney model was used to assess renal functional parameters.
- The effects of C. d. collilineatus venom (Cdc), CTX, and PLA2 on perfusion pressure, renal vascular resistance, urinary flow, glomerular filtration rate, and tubular transport of sodium, chloride, and potassium were measured.
- Experiments involved a 30-min control period followed by 120 min of exposure to venom or its fractions.
Main Results:
- C. d. collilineatus venom significantly decreased perfusion pressure, renal vascular resistance, urinary flow, and glomerular filtration rate.
- CTX and PLA2 reduced glomerular filtration rate, while urinary flow, perfusion pressure, and renal vascular resistance remained stable.
- Crotoxin diminished potassium and chloride tubular transport, and PLA2 reduced potassium tubular transport, without affecting sodium transport.
Conclusions:
- Crotalus durissus collilineatus venom significantly alters key renal functional parameters.
- Crotoxin and phospholipase A2 are implicated in the observed nephrotoxic effects, likely acting synergistically.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing acute kidney injury following Crotalus envenomation.
