EFFECTS OF RUSSELL'S VIPER VENOM ON BLOOD COAGULATION, PLATELETS AND THE FIBRINOLYTIC ENZYME SYSTEM

Abstract
[Viper snake bite is a health problem in Burma. One of the important changes seen in the ensuing renal failure is fibrin deposition in the kidney and glanerular coagulation.] The effects of Russell''s viper venom (RVV) [from Vipera russelli] on blood coagulation, platelets and fibrinolysis were studied in vivo and in vitro in rabbits and dogs. RVV was a strong coagulant, and at the time of manifestation of bleeding due to consumption coagulopathy, the most striking hemostatic abnormalities were fall of fibrinogen level, reduction in platelet count, delayed ADP aggregation of platelets, increased fibrinolytic activity and presence of fibrin degradation products. RVV apparently interfered with blood coagulation, caused abnormalities of platelet function and also activated the fibrinolytic enzyme system.