Effect of Naja nigricollis (Elapidae) Venom on Some Vital Organs of Oryctolagus cuniculus
Obou Constantin Okou *
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Jean Lorougnon Guédé University, Côte d'Ivoire and Department of Biology-Health, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Djako Sosthène Thierry Akré
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Jean Lorougnon Guédé University, Côte d'Ivoire.
Allali Eugène Koffi
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Jean Lorougnon Guédé University, Côte d'Ivoire and Department of Biology-Health, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Guy Childeric Bingo
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Jean Lorougnon Guédé University, Côte d'Ivoire.
Allico Joseph Djaman
Department of Biology-Health, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The general objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Naja nigricollis venom on some vital organs of rabbits. To carry out this study, nine (9) rabbits including five (5) males and four (4) females were divided into two (2) control lots and one (1) experimental lot. Each control lot was composed of three (3) rabbits (males or females) while the experimental lot was comprised of two (2) males and one (1) female. The rabbits of the experimental lot were injected with Naja nigricollis venom for about 20 to 30 minutes and then after the determination of their biochemical and hematological parameters, were autopsied for the removal of organs such as heart, liver, kidneys and lungs. These organs were weighed and their appearance was studied. The results of this study showed that the heart and lungs of control male rabbits weighed more than those of females, whereas the liver and kidneys did not. Then, the cytotoxins of the Naja nigricollis venom were at the origin of gangrene which induced necrosis by an increase in their volume in a general way and degradation of the organs studied. Finally, the dose of venom injected (2 mg/Kg of body weight) could also cause hypotension, so favoring the formation of oedemas and consequently gangrene.
Keywords: Venom, Naja nigricollis, organs, hypotension, necrosis