RESUMEN
PURPOSE: This study aims to measure the paraspecific neutralization capacity of nationally produced HSGM polyvalent snake antivenom (HSGM-PSAV), produced using Macrovipera lebetina obtusa, Montivipera xanthina, and Vipera ammodytes montandoni venom, against the lethal effect of the venom of Montivipera wagneri, which is endemic to the Eastern Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia regions of Turkey. METHODS: The neutralization capacity of HSGM-PSAV against the lethal effect of M. wagneri venom was studied using the potency determination testing method specified in the Turkish and European Pharmacopoeia. Lethal dose 50 (LD50) values of the venoms used in immunization, M. wagneri venom in mice, and effective dose 50 (ED50) values of HSGM-PSAV against four types of venoms were calculated using two-fold dilutions. RESULTS: HSGM-PSAV neutralized the lethal effect of M. wagneri venom in mice. The ED50 of the HSGM-PSAV against M. wagneri venom was calculated as 304.42 LD50/mL. CONCLUSION: As a result of this in-vivo study, it was determined that HSGM-PSAV neutralized M.wagneri venom above the antivenom neutralization capacity threshold values (≥50 LD50/mL) specified in the Turkish and European Pharmacopoeia. This result is important preclinical data regarding the usability of HSGM-PSAV in the treatment of poisoning due to M. wagneri bites.
RESUMEN
ABSTRACT This is the first report describing morphological and histological structure of venom apparatus in Montivipera xanthina. The venom gland apparatus of M. xanthina was composed of four distinct parts, main venom gland, primary duct, accessory gland and secondary duct. The main venom gland was composed of acini. The accessory gland was formed by long and ramified tubules. Nine fangs were detected in one half of the upper jaw each at different stage of development. Only one tooth was functional and the eight remaining fangs form a replacement series. The venom apparatus of viperid snakes are the most effective venom-delivery system among vertebrates and have been the focus of scientific interests for many years. Despite this interest, there are few studies including venom-delivery system of venomous snakes. The results presented here may be common among venomous snakes and model of the viperid design of the venom apparatus.