Evaluation of vasoactivity after haemotoxic snake venom administration

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Biomedical Research
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) is a validated model in biomedical research, adhering to the 3Rs principles.
• The CAM's vascular network makes it suitable for studying angiogenesis and the haemotoxicity of substances.
• Non-neurotoxic snake venoms present a dual profile, causing mortality yet offering potential medicinal benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the onset and intensity of effects of three whole viper venoms (Bitis arietans, Crotalus viridis, Agkistrodon contortrix) at various concentrations.
• To assess the rapid irritation potential of these venoms using the Luepke grading system on the CAM.
• To explore the CAM model as an alternative to rodent testing for venom haemotoxicity evaluation, aligning with the 3Rs.

Main Methods:

• Application of whole viper venoms (Bitis arietans, Crotalus viridis, Agkistrodon contortrix) at different concentrations onto the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM).
• Utilized the Luepke grading system to quantify the rapid irritation potential and haemotoxic effects.
• Employed the CAM model as a 3Rs-compliant alternative to traditional rodent toxicity tests.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the rapid irritation potential and haemotoxic effects of the tested viper venoms on the CAM.
• The Luepke grading system provided a quantifiable method for assessing venom-induced vascular changes.
• Established the utility of the CAM model for rapid screening of venom effects.

Conclusions:

• The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, combined with the Luepke grading system, offers a rapid and ethical alternative for evaluating venom haemotoxicity.
• Results provide crucial data for the medical management of snakebite envenomation.
• Findings support the potential therapeutic applications of snake venom components in medicine.