Resumen

HERNANDEZ, M et al. Alteraciones ultraestructurales de tejido cardíaco tratado con veneno crudo de serpiente de cascabel (Crotalus durissus cumanensis). RFM [online]. 2005, vol.28, n.1, pp.12-16. ISSN 0798-0469.

The assortment of cardiotoxic signs and symptoms, such as tachycardia, bradycardia, and pace disorders that are described in some patient envenomed by C. d. cumanensis, makes to think that exists activity of the venom on cardiac structures. The crude venom of rattlesnake Crotalus durissus cumanensis, from Caruachi, Bolivar state, presented an DL₅₀ of 0,140 mg/Kg of weight. The results of electron microscopy reported in the first 6 hours, disorganization, loss of the contractile system and sarcotubular system swollen. Capillary with abundant prolongations and the light partially occluded. The endotelial wall width was variable with a notable decrease of pinocytic vesicles and caveols, mitochondria were swollen and degenerated. At 24 hours areas with contracted fibrils, necrosis, and loss of the plasmatic membrane were observed. At 48 hours the capillary were occluded, with increase in the width of the wall, wall muscular cell broken, degenerated mitochondria and an increase of free polisomas. It was appreciated infiltration of macrophages. The objective of this work is based on describing for the first time in the literature, the ultrastructural alterations of the cardiac mice muscle treated with Crotalus durissus cumanensis crude venom.

Palabras clave : Crotalus durissus cumanensis; Rattlesnake; Ultrastructure; Venom.