Neutralization, by a monospecific Bothrops lanceolatus antivenom, of toxicactivities induced by homologous and heterologous Bothirops snake venoms

A monospecific Bothrops lanceolatus antivenom, currently used in Martinique , was tested for its efficacy in the neutralization of several toxic and en zymatic activities of the venoms of B. lanceolatus, B. atrox and B. asper. When tested by the i.p. route in mice, B. lanceolatus venom had an LD50 of 12.8 mu g/g. In addition, it induced local tissue damage (hemorrhage, edema and myotoxicity) and showed indirect hemolytic activity, but was devoid of coagulant effect on human plasma in vitro and of defibrinating activity in mice. Antivenom was fully effective in the neutralization of lethal, hemor rhagic, edema-forming, myotoxic and indirect hemolytic effects of B. lanceo latus venom in assays involving preincubation of venom and antivenom. When tested against the venoms of B. asper and B. atrox, the antivenom completel y neutralized the lethal, hemorrhagic, myotoxic and indirect hemolytic effe cts, and was partially effective in neutralizing edema-forming activity. In contrast, the antivenom was ineffective in the neutralization of in vitro coagulant and in vivo defibrinating effects induced by these two venoms. (C ) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.