Histopathological Alterations Induced by Naja naja Crude Venom on Renal, Pulmonary and Intestinal Tissues of Mice Model

The Venom of Spectacled Cobra (Elapidae:Naja naja):In VitroStudy from Distinct Geographical Origins in Sri Lanka

“…As cobra venom is elapid venom, cobra venom induced nephrotoxicity can also be applied with the above-mentioned mechanisms. Present study revealed the similar pathological lesions in kidneys related to acute renal failure, which has been categorized by previous studies about nephrotoxic effect of N. naja venom [ 13 , 53 ]. The fine structures of kidneys were disrupted due to the visible histopathological glomerular and tubular lesions.…”

“…Several studies with similar histopathology in mice tissues suggest that the potent toxic effect of nonenzymatic fraction of cytotoxins and phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) enzyme leads to these extensive necrotic observations in venom affected tissues by the formation of pores and disturbing the phospholipid structure of lipid bilayer [ 12 , 16 , 54 , 55 ]. Other research reports state similar haemorrhages and congestion in several tissue types as haemostatic disturbances produced by N. naja venom components of metalloproteinases and PLA 2 [ 13 , 35 , 56 ]. Therefore, we can conclude that venom of Sri Lankan N. naja contains functionally similar components proceeding to damage the vessel endothelium and extracellular matrix causing blood leakage into tissues.…”

“…Numerous studies indicate that cobra venom can induce profuse pathological anomalies in vital tissue structures [ 12 , 13 , 18 , 51 , 53 ]. Histopathological tissue sections of gastrocnemius muscle, heart, kidney, liver, and lungs of mice injected with venom from all five regions manifested severe pathological anomalies including tissue necrosis associated with haemorrhage and congestion, while control mice group resulted in their normal tissue structures.…”

“…The postsynaptic cytotoxins find in elapid venom is well known for its easy accumulation in kidney tissue [ 13 ]. Excretion of most toxic substances in snake venom usually occurs via the kidneys of the envenomed animal [ 55 , 59 ].…”

“…Tubular injury contained the typical degenerative changes of acute tubular necrosis. Many studies indicate cytotoxins and PLA 2 as the mediators of venom induced nephropathy [ 13 , 53 ]. Therefore, renal lesions of this study contribute towards understanding inflammatory and necrotic activity of these components in Sri Lankan N. naja venom.…”