The histological changes induced by the neurotoxic venom of Moroccan snake Naja haje

Abstract

In Morocco, ophidian envenomations are perpetrated by 7 species of snakes of the viper family and a single species of elapids named Naje haje. Proteomic mapping of Naje haje cobra venom shows a complex mixture of biologically active molecules, which are rich in non-enzymatic proteins such as neurotoxins generally - alpha neurotoxins - inducing a neurotoxic effect by attacking the central and peripheral nervous system causing paralysis. The present work offers a study of the cobra venom from a toxicological and physiopathological standpoint. We first determined the toxicity Nh venoms by an LD50 test, then carried out an anatomopathological study on Swiss mice in order to detect the signs of envenomation by venom. The organs of the envenomed mice were then removed for a histological study to determine the main systemic alterations induced by the venom. The results of study showed acute toxicity revealing of the symptoms mainly of a neurotoxic nature and the histopathological study that show the Nh venom exerts a cytotoxic activity on the brain, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.Keywords: Snake, Venom, Characterization, Toxicity, Chromatography, Physiopathology, Histology.