Related Experiment Videos
Myonecrosis induced by rattlesnake venom. An electron microscopic study
The American Journal of Pathology
|April 1, 1972
Summary
Rattlesnake venom rapidly causes myonecrosis (muscle death) in mice, damaging muscle fibers at the cellular level. This snake venom-induced muscle damage offers a valuable model for studying necrosis.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Snake venom toxins can induce significant tissue damage.
- Understanding venom-induced myonecrosis is crucial for treating envenomation.
- Skeletal muscle is a primary target for many venomous snake species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the myonecrotic effects of Crotalus viridis viridis venom on mouse skeletal muscle.
- To characterize the ultrastructural changes in muscle fibers following venom injection.
- To evaluate the potential of venom-induced myonecrosis as a research model.
Main Methods:
- Injection of Crotalus viridis viridis crude venom (one-fourth LD(50)) into mouse gracilis and semimembranosus muscles.
- Ultrastructural examination of the biceps femoris muscle using electron microscopy.
- Observation of cellular and tissue changes, including myofilament, mitochondria, and membrane integrity.
Main Results:
- Focal myonecrosis was observed in the affected muscles.
- Injured muscle fibers exhibited dilated sarcoplasmic reticulum, coagulated myofilaments, and enlarged mitochondria.
- External lamina and sarcolemma integrity varied; disruption occurred with erythrocyte packing, leading to pronounced fiber degeneration.
Conclusions:
- Crotalus viridis viridis venom induces rapid and significant myonecrosis in mouse skeletal muscle.
- The observed cellular changes are consistent with known mechanisms of muscle fiber breakdown.
- Venom-induced myonecrosis provides a viable and efficient model for studying muscle necrosis.