Histopathological changes in avian kidney caused by Bothrops insularis (jararaca ilhoa) venom and a phospholipase A(2)-containing fraction

The histopathological changes induced in avian kidney by the intramuscular injection of Bothrops insularis (jararaca ilhoa) venom and its phospholipas e A(2) (PLA(2))-containing fraction were examined. Acute experiments (3 h a nd 24 h) with B. insularis crude venom (20 mug and 80 mug) or its PLA(2)-co ntaning fraction (10 mug and 40 mug) resulted in significant structural dam age to the kidneys of 5-12-day-old chicks. Histopathological analysis indic ated that the venom and its fraction acted on the renal tubules and glomeru li. The morphological changes, although widespread, varied in intensity fro m cell to cell, and from tubule to tubule in venom-injected chicks. The tub ular and glomerular changes produced by the venom and its PLA(2)-containing fraction may be the result of a direct cytotoxic effect potentiated by isc hemia-related disturbances in the regional hemodynamics. The venom and its fraction affected more segments along reptilian-type nephrons than along ma mmalian ones. This divergent sensitivity to the venom and its fraction may reflect the species-specific characteristics of B. insularis snake, an exam ple of geographical isolation influencing its diet which is almost exclusiv ely avian.