Changes in serum components induced by venoms of marine animals

Abstract

Serum enzyme and chemical component levels were investigated in a rat model after experimental envenomation by venoms of coelentrate, Physalia species, four sea-snakes, Hydrophis spiralis, H. Cyanocinctus, H. Lapemoides and Lapemis curtus and a gastropod molluse Conus coronatus. The LD(50)s through i.v. route were found to be 4.2 mg/kg for Physalia, 0.4 mg/kg for H.spiralis 0.60 mg/kg for H.cyanocinctus, 0.60 mg/kg for H. lapemoides, 0.70 mg/kg for L.curtus and 2.9 mg/kg for C.coronatus. Marked elevation of serum enzyme levels was induced by sea-snake and Physalia venom while C.coronatus venom showed no significant change in serum levels. The results also indicate gross morphological changes in liver, spleen, gall bladder, lungs and heart by Physalia and sea snake venoms.