The effects of Hemorrhois ravergieri saliva on the viability of human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) cells

Many colubrid snakes produce toxic oral secretions and some species have caused severe reactions in humans. In this research toxicity of Duvernoy´s gland secretion (DGS) from Hemorrhois ravergieri (aglyph) has been studied.

In this study, the effect of Hemorrhois ravergieri saliva on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) cells growth was determined by the inverted microscope and MTT assay. The integrity of the cell membrane through LDH release was evaluated as well.

The MTT assay and Neutral red assay showed a significant (p˂0.05) cytotoxic effect of Hemorrhois ravergieri salvia on HDF cells growth after 24 h treatment. Additionally, Hemorrhois ravergieri venom caused a significant increase in LDH release (p˂0.05). Numerous morphological abnormalities were observed in cells exposed to the DGS and showed loss of their common polygonal shape, appearing as several roughly rounded cells of variable size.

The Hemorrhois ravergieri saliva causes cytotoxic effects on HDF cells by the necrotic mechanism. This colubrid snake bite causes local symptoms, so this research suggests a more careful evaluation of the victims when considering the medical treatment to be adopted.