Toxicity and immunogenicity of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom treated with different doses of gamma rays

Crotalus durissus terrificus venom (CDT venom) was irradiated with four dif ferent doses of gamma rays (2, 3, 5 and 10 kGy) from a Co-60 source and the ir structural, toxic and immunogenic properties were analysed, Venom irradi ated with 2 and 3 kGy were, respectively, 2.7 and 13.5 times less toxic tha n the native one, whereas the 5 or 10 kGy irradiated venom were at least 10 0 times less toxic than nonirradiated venom. Irradiated venom with all dose s were immunogenic and the antibodies elicited by them were able to recogni se the native venom in ELISA. However the toroid produced with 2 kGy irradi ation dose had its immunogenicity improved. Antisera raised against this to roid had a higher neutralising capacity than those produced against the nat ive venom. Irradiation of venom with 2 kGy dose was the most effective to i nactivate the CDT venom toxicity and improve its immunogenicity. (C) 1999 E lsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.