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Volume :29 Issue : 1 2002
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Effects of envenomation by Cerastes vipera crude venom on plasma and tissue metabolites of rats
Auther : IBRAHIM A. AL-JAMMAZ
Science Department, Faculty of Teachers, P.O.Box 4341, Riyadh 11491, Saudi Arabia. e-mail: i_al_jammaz@ hotmail. com
ABSTRACT
The effects of viper snake venom on metabolism are well known in experimental animals. However, there is little data on the effect of Cerastes vipera on rat metabolism. This study was designed to further investigate the effects of sublethal crude Cerastes viperavenom on some important blood parameters and tissue metabolism in rats. Plasmaglucose, total protein, cholesterol, triglyceride levels and ALT and LDH enzyme activities were all reduced. In contrast, plasma total lipid levels significantly increased after envenomation. Tissue glycogen, total protein and total lipid contents were also reduced as a result. Such changes need to be considered when evaluating vital organ functions of victims envenomated by Cerastes vipera.
Key words: Cerastes vipera; Snake; Venom; Viper.