Abstract
The effects of Gaboon viper ( Bitis gabonica) venom on external iliac and mesenteric arterial blood flow and resistance were investigated in eight anaesthetized, close-chest dogs. Venom doses in the range 0.125 – 0.5 mg/kg produced a profound fall in external iliac and mesenteric arterial resistance, which recovered to control values after 30 min. After a third dose of venom, the mean arterial blood pressure failed to recover and the animals died after a period of severe hypotension. External iliac arterial blood flow rose concomitantly with the fall in external iliac resistance and decreased to a value significantly below control after 30 min. Paradoxically, mesenteric blood flow fell during the period of vasodilation. The results suggest that widespread vasodilation of muscle vascular beds (of which the external iliac circulation is representative) leads to shunting of blood away from the less-dilated mesenteric circulation. Venom-induced peritoneal haemorrhage caused a fall in blood volume and increase in viscosity. These undoubtedly contributed to the severe haemodynamic deterioration of the preparations after the third injection of the venom.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
