Evaluation of the effects of photooxidized Echis carinatus venom on learning, memory and stress

Abstract

Snake venoms are a mixture of complex proteins, which have many physical and pharmacological properties. Photochemical detoxification has been suggested to generate photooxidized Echis carinatus venom product (POECVP).Antigenically-active photooxidized species of Echis carinatus venom could be obtained by exposing the venom to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in the presence of methylene blue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of POECVP on learning, memory and stress in rats. Detoxification of the photooxidized venom was evident since the POECVP-treated group had longer survival time than the group of mice treated with Echis carinatus venom product (ECVP) following intraperitoneal and intracerebral injections. Photooxidized Echis carinatus venom product showed antidepressant activity by prolonging sleep onset and shortening the duration of pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis in mice. In single and chronic dose studies with rats, we observed that POECVP significantly decreased the time needed to reach food in T-maze, shortened transfer latency in elevated plus-maze, and decreased immobility time in forced swim test. We concluded that although there is a possibility of employing POECVP in the treatment of depressive and chronic degenerative illnesses as a nonherbal and nonsynthetic alternative for patients not responding to the available therapy, further investigation is still needed.KEY WORDS: learning and memory, photooxidized Echis carinatus venom product, T-maze, forced swim test, elevated plus-maze.

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“…Snake venom neurotoxins and their effect on central acetylcholine receptors and various ion channels have been reported earlier (25). These facts prompt us to investigate the effect of PVSE of Vo on memory and learning in rats, since many photooxidized venom proteins have shown CNS stimulant action and improved the learning and memory functions (5,26). In the current study, we employed T maze (for spatial working memory), elevated plus maze and step down passive avoidance (for long term memory) as models for memory and learning activity.…”

“…Previous studies demonstrated that photooxidation of snake venoms by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation at different time intervals in the presence of sensitizer methylene blue resulted in detoxification of venom, and led to significant changes with no loss of antigenicity (3). Photooxidized Echis carinatus venom demonstrated antidepressant and central nervous system (CNS) stimulant activities, and enhancement of memory and learning in rats (4,5).…”

A Review on Neurotoxins from Clostridium botulinum against Neuro-muscular Disorders

“…The venom of these creatures, which is considered to be neurotoxic in nature, possesses pleiotropic and synergistic effects over the neuromuscular system. Snake venom has been incorporated into the medicine since ages [8][9]. Echis carinatus, which is a venomous viper, has been potentially proved for its neuro-protective effect.…”

“…When the toxophoric regions are altered, snake venom proteins are said to possess significant pharmacological effects. Radiation methods are employed to shorten the immunization process and for a better detoxification process [9]. However, usage and dosage of botulinum is a huge controversy.…”

Antiepileptic and Antidepressant Activity of Majoon Najah (A Traditional Unani Formulation) in Experimental Animals

“…Treatment was continued for two weeks and again another test session (5 min duration) was performed on 14 th day to observe the effect of test substance following repeated administration. 13…”