In the present investigation, it was found that the biconcave erythrocytes became sphero-echinocytes.Phospholipase A2 could also produce the sphero-echinocytosis. The phospholipase A2 inhibitor, p-bromophenacyl bromide reduced the degree of RVV sphero-echinocytosis. Verapamil, which is a phenylalkylamine calcium channel blocker, could not prevent the RVV sphero-echinocytosis. Although antivenom could not reverse the RVV sphero-echinocytosis, these effects were minimized. Phospholipase A2 lead to the RVV sphero-echinocytosis, Calcium and some plasma factors are required for this process. Early treatment with antivenom has
positive effects for prevention of RVV sphero-echinocytosis, which may reduce hypoxic cell injury. The effects of Russell’s viper venom (RVV) on human erythrocytes
is about the erythrocyte morphology.
The maximal effect was detected at 800 ng of venom. Morphology changed immediately at 1 minute and the change
reached maximum at 30 minutes. The mild degree of erythrocyte deformation was observed at 60 and 120 min with
100 ng of RVV. Venom at various dosages ranging from 50 ng to 120 micrograms increased hematocrit significantly.
When EDTA was used as an anticoagulant or when plasma was substituted by isotonic saline, acetar, albumin added
acetar solutionThere were no morphologic changes .