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.

Mediators of Inflammation
|December 17, 2011
PubMed

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.

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