Source
Institute of Neuroscience and Medical Toxicology Centre, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastleupon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
A bite by Collett's snake, (Pseudechis colletti) can cause rhabdomyolysis in human victims but no signs of neurotoxicity. The pathology of muscle and peripheral nerve has not been described previously. In this study we investigated neuromuscular toxicity in rats.
METHODS:
The venom was inoculated subcutaneously into the anterolateral aspect of one hindlimb of adult rats at a dose replicating that inoculated into an adult human male during an envenoming bite.
RESULTS:
The venom caused edema, an increase in muscle wet weight, and the degeneration of 20-35% of the underlying soleus muscle. Muscle fiber regeneration began at 4 days and was complete by 8 weeks. There was little evidence of either post- or presynaptic toxicity.
CONCLUSIONS:
The dominant effect of this venom in mammals is myotoxicity.
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