Intraspecific differences in the immunochemical reactivity and neutralization of venom from Argentinean Bothrops alternatus by specific experimental antivenoms
Research article published in Toxicon (2014)
Abstract
The venoms of Bothrops (Rhinocerophis) alternatus (B.a.) from different regions of Argentina have shown biochemical, toxicological and immunological variations. Considering these variations, we produced nine experimental antisera (rabbit, IgG) against venoms from snakes of nine different regions and a pool of venom, comprised of equal amounts of venoms from each region. The immunologic studies (ELISA, Westernblot) showed significant cross reactivity among all regional antivenoms with all regional venoms, with no significant differences regarding the specificity of the immunogens used for the production of antivenom. Neutralization of hemorrhage was variable (although all the antivenoms neutralized this activity in all venoms) and the neutralization of coagulant and phospholipase activities were evident in all cases. Some antivenoms neutralized toxic activities that were absent or very low in the venoms used as immunogen, on other non-homologous venoms (e.g. thrombin like activity). Despite the different toxic potencies of regional venoms, antivenoms developed using venoms of snakes from a particular region showed high immunochemical reactivity and cross-neutralizing capacity on snake venoms from different and distant regions, in occasions over those of the homologous antivenoms. These findings could be used to improve the generation of pools of venoms for the production of antivenoms.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Intraspecific differences in the immunochemical reactivity and neutralization of venom from Argentinean Bothrops alternatus by specific experimental antivenoms.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This study examined the immunochemical reactivity and neutralization capacity of nine experimental rabbit antisera developed against Bothrops alternatus snake venoms from various geographic regions of Argentina. The researchers found significant cross-reactivity among the regional antivenoms, which successfully neutralized hemorrhagic, coagulant, and phospholipase activities across diverse venom samples. While the research evaluates treatments for venom-induced coagulopathies—a field conceptually related to blood clotting and anticoagulation—it is strictly focused on improving snakebite antivenom production. The abstract provides no data regarding leeches, and therefore the study holds no direct relevance to hirudotherapy, the leech secretome, or the American Society of Hirudotherapy's clinical domain.
Citation
Intraspecific differences in the immunochemical reactivity and neutralization of venom from Argentinean Bothrops alternatus by specific experimental antivenoms
Lanari LC et al. · Toxicon, 2014
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