Platelet and red cell responses to three North American pit vipers

Toxicon. 2024 Aug 28:247:107798. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107798. Epub 2024 Jun 12.

Abstract

We investigated the hemotoxic effects of three North American pit vipers in healthy human donor blood. Using experiments focusing on platelet and red blood cell activity, we found differential effects of these venoms on these cellular components. Platelet aggregation was most induced by C. adamanteus. Platelet activation was highest with C. atrox. Red blood cells had calcium expression and erythrocyte formation most induced by C. adamanteus and A. piscivorus. These results demonstrate the complex interplay of individual cellular effects with clinical presentations seen in envenomings from these species.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets* / drug effects
  • Calcium / blood
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Crotalid Venoms / toxicity
  • Crotalinae
  • Erythrocytes* / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Platelet Activation / drug effects
  • Platelet Aggregation / drug effects

Substances

  • Crotalid Venoms
  • Calcium