MOLECULAR EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH VIPERA LATIFI VENOM EFFECT ON CONDITION OF HUMAN RED BLOOD CELLS

Abstract

Viper venom as a hemolytic biochemical “cocktail” of toxins, primarily cause to the systemic alteration of blood cells. In the sixties and seventies, human erythrocytes were extensively studied, but the mechanical and chemical stresses commonly exerted on red blood cells continue to attract interest of scientists for the study of membrane structure and function. Here we monitor the effect of Vipera latifi venom on human erythrocytes ghost membranes using phase contrast microscopy and changes in ATPase activity under snake venom influence in vitro. The ion pumps (Na⁺, K⁺)-ATPase and (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺)-ATPase plays a pivotal role in the active transport of certain cations and maintenance of intracellular electrolyte homeostasis. We also describe the action of Vipera latifi venom on the freeradical processes in the membrane of erythrocyte ghosts and changes of activity of superoxide dismutase in course of envenomation.