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Inflammatory mediators release in urine from mice injected with Crotalus durissus terrificus venom
A Hernández Cruz1, L Barbosa Navarro, R Z Mendonça
1Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Calle Iztaccihuatl Esquina Leñeros, Colonia Volcanes, 62350 Cuernavaca, MOR, Mexico.
Abstract:
In this study, we investigated in groups of female BALB/c mice injected with Crotalus durissus terrificus venom (Cdt) the renal function based on creatinine clearance, percentage of fractional excretion cytokines and histological examination of renal tissue. Cdt caused renal alterations that induced proteinuria during the initial hours post-venom and reduced creatinine clearance 15 min. up to 2 hours post-venom administration. In urine from mice injected with Cdt induced a decrease in IL-4 levels. More pronounced increments of IL-5, IL-6 and IFN-γ were observed after 15 and 30 min, respectively. The highest levels of TNF and IL-10 were observed at 1 and 4 hs, respectively. The ratios of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in animals injected with Cdt, which may be manifested in the inflammatory status during the envenoming. In groups of animals treated with Cdt were observed a decreasing in creatinine clearance and its effect on glomerular filtration rate was accompanied by decreased fractional excretion of cytokines and morphologic disturbances. This loss of change selectively in envenomation could thus explain why the relatively excretion of cytokines is reduced while of total proteins increases. In conclusion the fractional excretion of cytokines is significantly reduced in mice injected with Cdt, despite proteinuria.
Insights
Crotalus durissus terrificus venom causes kidney damage, leading to proteinuria and reduced creatinine clearance in mice. Cytokine excretion is significantly decreased despite increased protein loss, indicating complex renal effects during envenomation.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nephrology
- Immunology
Background:
- Crotalus durissus terrificus venom (Cdt) envenomation can cause systemic effects, including renal complications.
- Understanding the specific impact of Cdt on renal function and inflammatory responses is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Cdt on renal function, specifically creatinine clearance and fractional excretion of cytokines.
- To analyze the histological changes in renal tissue following Cdt injection.
- To examine the dynamic changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in response to Cdt.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were injected with Cdt.
- Renal function was assessed via creatinine clearance and fractional excretion of cytokines.
- Urinary cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF, IL-10) were measured.
- Renal tissues were examined histologically.
Main Results:
- Cdt induced proteinuria and reduced creatinine clearance within hours of administration.
- Significant alterations in urinary cytokine profiles were observed, with decreased IL-4 and increased IL-5, IL-6, and IFN-γ.
- Histological examination revealed morphologic disturbances in renal tissue.
- Fractional excretion of cytokines decreased, while total protein excretion increased.
Conclusions:
- Cdt significantly impairs renal function and causes histological damage in mice.
- The study demonstrates a complex interplay between venom-induced proteinuria and altered cytokine excretion.
- Reduced fractional excretion of cytokines, despite proteinuria, highlights a specific renal response to Cdt envenomation.

