engleski

Venom/antivenom distribution in experimental sheep model

In envenomation distribution of s.c. or i.m. injected venom into the interstitial space occurs. An absorption process, by blood or lymphatic capillaries, is necessary before it reaches the bloodstream. Viper venoms are mostly absorbed through the lymphatic system prior their delivery into the systemic circulation. Antivenoms constitute the mainstay in the snakebite envenoming therapy. There is a prevailing opinion that i.v. administration of antivenoms is more effective than i.m. application, based on the studies on venom/antivenom pharmacokinetics in the bloodstream. Recently, it was hypothesized that neutralization in the lymphatic system might be of great importance for clinical outcome. Therefore, need to reconsider (dis)advantages of each therapeutic principle has emerged by monitoring the antivenom’s effect on venom levels in both body compartments. We established large animal model, using ovalbumin as a model protein, and developed procedures and surgical techniques for blood and lymph sampling as well as assays for ovalbumin quantification in these two body fluids. We aimed to perform a pharmacokinetic study of venom and antivenom in these two compartments using experimentally envenomed and treated sheep. Each animal received s.c. injected venom in the dose corresponding to the amount of venom injected in a typical envenoming. Antivenom was delivered i.m. as a bolus or i.v. as an infusion. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein, and lymph by continuous drainage from ductus thoracicus. Venom and antivenom quantification has been performed by respective in-house ELISA assays. The preliminary results on venom/antivenom pharmacokinetic distribution will be presented.

venom, antivenom, pharmacokinetics, sheep, ductus thoracicus, ELISA assay, lymphatic system, bloodstream

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