Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Captive Maintenance and Venom Extraction of Tityus serrulatus (Brazilian Yellow Scorpion) for Antivenom Production
Published on: October 6, 2023
PRODUCTION OF A REFRACTORY STATE AS CONCERNS THE SHWARTZMAN PHENOMENON BY THE INJECTIONS OF VENOM OF THE MOCCASIN
Abstract:
The majority of rabbits receiving intradermal, intraperitoneal or intravenous injections of moccasin venom became refractory to the development of the Shwartzman phenomenon. An incubation period of about 14 days was required for their resistance to develop. The incidence of refractory animals was inversely proportional within limits to the amount of toxin given intravenously to elicit the Shwartzman phenomenon. The intravenous route was the most efficacious in developing refractivity. The refractory state was still present 44 days after the primary injection of moccasin venom. Rattlesnake venom was not efficacious in inducing a refractory state. The refractory animals did not show a changed reaction to moccasin venom in the concentrations used. No circulating antibodies could be demonstrated to explain the refractory state. Antivenin had no effect on the course of the Shwartzman phenomenon.
Insights
Rabbits injected with moccasin venom developed resistance to the Shwartzman phenomenon after 14 days. This resistance, induced most effectively by intravenous injections, persisted for at least 44 days.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- The Shwartzman phenomenon is a localized inflammatory reaction.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms to venom-induced phenomena is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of refractoriness to the Shwartzman phenomenon following moccasin venom administration in rabbits.
- To determine the optimal route and dosage for inducing this refractory state.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits were administered varying doses of moccasin venom via intradermal, intraperitoneal, or intravenous routes.
- Animals were subsequently challenged to elicit the Shwartzman phenomenon.
- Incubation periods for refractoriness and duration of the refractory state were assessed.
- Reactions to different venom concentrations and the presence of antibodies were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Intradermal, intraperitoneal, and intravenous injections of moccasin venom induced refractoriness to the Shwartzman phenomenon in most rabbits.
- A 14-day incubation period was necessary for resistance development.
- Intravenous administration was the most effective route for inducing refractoriness.
- Refractoriness persisted for at least 44 days.
- Rattlesnake venom did not induce refractoriness.
- No altered reaction to moccasin venom or detectable circulating antibodies explained the refractory state.
Conclusions:
- Moccasin venom can induce a dose- and route-dependent refractory state to the Shwartzman phenomenon in rabbits.
- The mechanism of this venom-induced refractoriness is not antibody-mediated.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this resistance.
