Cardiotoxic effects of micrurus surinamensis (Cuvier, 1817) snake venom
Nenhuma Miniatura disponível
Data
2021-02
Título da Revista
ISSN da Revista
Título de Volume
Editor
Resumo
Micrurus surinamensis is a coral snake from the Elapidae family of wide distribution in Amazonia Forest. Its venom contains neurotoxins that induce muscular and respiratory paralysis; however, its cardiovascular action is not yet characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardiotoxic effects caused by M. surinamensis poisoning in rodents. Twelve guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) were distributed in two groups (n = 6) named as control and envenomed. The control group received 0.2 ml of PBS/BSA via intramuscular injection (IM), while envenomed animals received 0.75 µg of venom per g of body weight, also via IM. Electrocardiographic examination (ECG) and biochemical serum tests were conducted before and 2 h after inoculation. ECG of the envenomed animals revealed severe progressive arrhythmias including atrioventricular block, supraventricular, and ventricular extrasystoles. Serum biochemistry showed significant increase in CK, CK-MB, and LDH enzymes corroborating the skeletal and cardiac muscle damage. Myonecrosis and degeneration were observed in both skeletal and heart muscle; nevertheless, transmission electron microscopy revealed cardiac muscle fibers fragmentation. In conclusion, M. surinamensis venom has a potent cardiotoxic activity eliciting arrhythmogenic effects and heart damage after only 2 h of envenomation.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Myotoxicity, Arrhythmias, Electrocardiography, Electron microscopy, Elapidae, Coral snakes
Citação
REIS, Lilian de Paula Gonçalves et al. Cardiotoxic effects of micrurus surinamensis (Cuvier, 1817) snake venom. Cardiovascular toxicology, [s. l.], v. 21, n. 6, p. 462-471, 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s12012-021-09640-7. Disponível em: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12012-021-09640-7. Acesso em: 15 maio 2025.