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.
Resumen
Intraspecific differences in the immunochemical reactivity and neutralization of venom from Argentinean Bothrops alternatus by specific experimental antivenoms.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio examinó la reactividad inmunológica y la capacidad neutralizante de nueve antisueros experimentales de conejo desarrollados contra venenos de serpiente Bothrops alternatus de diversas regiones geográficas de Argentina. Los investigadores encontraron reactividad cruzada significativa entre los antivenenos regionales, que neutralizaron con éxito las actividades hemorrágica, coagulante y de fosfolipasa en diversas muestras de veneno. Si bien la investigación evalúa tratamientos para coagulopatías inducidas por veneno—un campo conceptualmente relacionado con la coagulación sanguínea y la anticoagulación—se enfoca estrictamente en mejorar la producción de antivenenos para mordeduras de serpiente. El resumen no aporta datos sobre sanguijuelas y, por lo tanto, el estudio no tiene relevancia directa para la hirudoterapia, el secretoma de la sanguijuela ni el dominio clínico de la American Society of Hirudotherapy.
Citación
Intraspecific differences in the immunochemical reactivity and neutralization of venom from Argentinean Bothrops alternatus by specific experimental antivenoms
Lanari LC et al. · Toxicon, 2014
Contexto clínico relacionado
Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica
Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026