Volume 49 Number 3

Alternative assay for the haemotoxic activities of the venom from the eastern Russell's viper Daboia siamensis (Smith, 1917)

Patchara Sittishevapark^a, Jirarach Kitana^a,b, Suchada Sukrong^c, Noppadon Kitana^a,b,*

 
ABSTRACT:     Russell?s viper is one of the common venomous snakes across Asia, known for inducing haemotoxic effects. While antivenom is the standard treatment for envenomation, its high cost and risk of severe allergic reactions have prompted interest in alternative therapeutic agents. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of these agents, suitable models and assays for assessing haemotoxic activities of snake venom are required. In this study, the chick embryo was developed as a screening model for venom-induced toxicity. Eggs were incubated at around 37?C from day 0 after laying, the embryos were transferred to plastic wrap hammocks on day 2, and incubated until day 6. Venom solutions at various concentrations and normal saline (control) were applied to filter paper and placed on the lateral vitelline vein. Mortality was recorded at 4 h post-treatment, with an LD50 of 8.83 ?g/?l. Microscopic examination revealed basement membrane disruption, clotted blood, and loss of membrane integrity in the venom-treated embryos. These results confirm the haemotoxic effect of Daboia siamensis venom on chick embryonic vasculature and provide a reference guide for testing the efficacy of therapeutic agents against snake toxins. In conclusion, the overall protocol that has been developed can be applied to validate the potential use of domestic chick embryos as an alternative assay in toxicological studies.

Download PDF

Downloads Views

* Corresponding author, E-mail: noppadon.k@chula.ac.th

Received 22 Apr 2025, Accepted 17 Oct 2025