Inhibition by CaNa2EDTA of local tissue damage induced by Bothrops asper (terciopelo) venom: application in horse immunization for antivenom production.

This research explores the use of a chelating agent, CaNa2EDTA, for reducing the tissue damage induced by Bothrops asper venom in mice and horses. The findings suggest that this agent can decrease the venom’s harmful effects without impacting the immune response in horses, which is beneficial for the production of antivenom.

Overview of the Research

• The study aims to observe the capacity of the chelating agent CaNa2EDTA to inhibit the tissue damage caused by Bothrops asper, also known as terciopelo, venom in mice and horses.
• Bothrops asper venom is potent and can cause severe local tissue damage. This research looks at ways to minimize that damage, especially in horses used for polyvalent (Crotalinae) antivenom production.

Methodology and Findings

• The researchers found that CaNa2EDTA injected into the muscles or skin of mice caused only mild edema, making it non-toxic.
• It significantly lessened the hemorrhagic and dermonecrotic actions (bleeding and skin tissue death, respectively) of the venom. However, it did not reduce the venom’s edema-forming and myotoxic effects, which cause swelling and muscle damage.
• A group of horses was initially immunized with native venoms and then given a booster with venom and CaNa2EDTA. This group exhibited less severe local tissue reactions than a group treated with a booster of venom alone. Importantly, both groups had a similar immune or antivenom response.

Impact on Antivenom Production

• The antivenoms produced from the plasma of horses that received the venom and CaNa2EDTA boosters, and those that received venom alone, were equally effective against the lethal, hemorrhagic and coagulant effects of B. asper venom.
• Western blotting and ELISA tests that measure anti-myotoxin titer confirmed the similarity of the antibody response. The two tests provided corroborating results, confirming that adding CaNa2EDTA doesn’t affect the immune response of horses to the venom.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that using the chelating agent CaNa2EDTA lessens local tissue damage inflicted by Bothrops asper venom.
• Despite reducing venom-induced tissue damage, it does not hinder the immune response of horses against essential venom components. This outcome suggests that CaNa2EDTA usage could improve the process and outcomes of antivenom production in horses.