Hematologic effects of Crotalus adamanteus (rattlesnake) venom

Summary

• 1. Crotalus adamanteus venom produces a striking neutrophilic leukocytosis in dogs whether administered intramuscularly or intravenously.

• 2. Intramuscular administration of a lethal dose (1.28 mg/kg) of crystallineCrotalus adamanteus venom to dogs also produced: a terminal increase in serum nonprotein nitrogen, a hypoproteinemia, a reduction in plasma fibrinogen, and a terminal shortening of coagulation time.

• 3. It is noteworthy that no effects of this venom were noted on the serum bilirubin concentration. It follows, therefore, that contrary to existing impressions this venom does not produce any significant degree of hemolysis in vivo.

• 4. In addition, the intramuscular administration ofCrotalus adamanteus venom was found not to significantly affect the: blood glucose concentration, the platelet count, the plasma prothrombin time, the prothrombin time withRussell's viper venom, the prothrombin consumption, the thromboplastin generation, or the fibrinolysin activity. Two of five dogs showed a transient rise in erythrocyte count and hematocrit.

• 5. By contrast,Naja flava venom did not produce neutrophilic leukocytosis when administered in a subacutely toxic dose (0.2 mg/kg/day).

• 6. Intravenously administeredCrotalus adamanteus venom did not counteract the neutropenic effects of orally administered Myleran in dogs.