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Research ArticleResearch and Reports

Cutaneous and Systemic Effects of Varying Doses of Brown Recluse Spider Venom in a Rabbit Model

David L McGlasson, Hugh H Harroff, Jackie Sutton, Edward Dick and Dirk M Elston
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science April 2007, 20 (2) 99-105; DOI: https://doi.org/10.29074/ascls.20.2.99
David L McGlasson
are of the 59th Clinical Research Squadron/MSRL, Lackland AFB TX
MS
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  • For correspondence: david.mcglasson@lackland.afb.mil
Hugh H Harroff
are of the 59th Clinical Research Squadron/MSRL, Lackland AFB TX
DVM
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Jackie Sutton
are of the 59th Clinical Research Squadron/MSRL, Lackland AFB TX
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Edward Dick
are of the 59th Clinical Research Squadron/MSRL, Lackland AFB TX
DVM
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Dirk M Elston
are of the 59th Clinical Research Squadron/MSRL, Lackland AFB TX
MD
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  1. David L McGlasson, MS⇑
  2. Hugh H Harroff, DVM
  3. Jackie Sutton
  4. Edward Dick, DVM
  5. Dirk M Elston, MD
  1. are of the 59th Clinical Research Squadron/MSRL, Lackland AFB TX
  1. Address for correspondence: David L McGlasson MS CLS/NCA, 59th Clinical Research Squadron/MSRL, 2200 Berquist Dr., Building 4430, Lackland AFB TX 78236-5300. (210) 292-6555, (210) 292-6053 (fax). david.mcglasson{at}lackland.afb.mil.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether a dose response exists between the dose of brown recluse spider venom (BRSV) and the cutaneous and coagulation effects in a rabbit model. Cutaneous necrosis is a serious complication of brown recluse spider envenomation (spider bite with venom). Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a dreaded complication of brown recluse envenomation in humans. New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits have proved to be a model for the study of therapeutic regimens to prevent skin necrosis after spider bites. We studied the venom's effects on the skin and the coagulation mechanism in this rabbit model to determine if a clear dose-response relationship could be established. Establishment of a dose-response relationship is an important first step in determining if the NZW rabbit is a suitable model to study both cutaneous and systemic effects of the venom.

DESIGN: Thirty-six NZW rabbits were divided into three groups. One group received a saline injection, and the other two groups received a 4.0μg or a 10.0μg dose of purified BRSV intradermally into the skin on the dorsum of the back.

METHODS: Blood was collected at baseline, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Tissue specimens were obtained after seven days during the animal necropsy and gross and microscopic pathology examination was conducted to assess tissue damage. Measurements included complete blood count (CBC); platelets; PT; activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT); fibrinogen (clottable, immunological); coagulation factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII; anti-thrombin (AT); alpha-2 antiplasmin (AP); Protein C (PC); mixing studies; lupus anticoagulant screening; plasminogen; thrombin-anti-thrombin; fibrin degradation products (FDP); d-dimer; and thrombin time.

RESULTS: Gross pathology results were consistent with previous studies that used higher doses of BRSV. The WBC and platelet counts decreased at 24 hours in the two groups receiving the BRSV (p<0.05). BRSV produced a dose related prolongation in the APTT (p<0.05). Levels of fibrinogen as well as factors V, VII, VIII, IX, X, AT, and AP (p<0.05) were increased in response to the BRSV. Protein C decreased at 24 hours (p<0.05) and remained low in other time points. Mixing studies corrected the prolonged APTTs to normal ranges. Factor II XI and XII showed no significant alteration in response to the BRSV.

CONCLUSIONS: In the model, both the size and depth of the eschar were dose-related. We also observed a dose related elevation in the APTT that corrected with mixing studies. The dose-response relationship suggests direct interference by a component of the venom, rather than an idiosyncratic response. We did not detect a deficiency of commonly measured coagulation factors or evidence of a lupus anticoagulant. Protein C demonstrated a decrease. Although DIC did not occur in this rabbit model, a dose-related elevation in APTT was noted. The finding that the elevation corrected with mixing studies suggests that a plasma factor is essential in the coagulopathy associated with brown recluse envenomation. Further studies to identify this factor could shed light on human coagulopathy following envenomation.

ABBREVIATIONS: AP = alpha-2 antiplasmin; APTT = activated partial thromboplastin time; AT = anti-thrombin; BL = baseline; BRSV = brown recluse spider venom; DIC = disseminated intravascular coagulation; FDP = fibrin degradation products; LA = lupus anticoagulant; NZW = New Zealand white; PC = Protein C.

    INDEX TERMS
  • brown recluse spider
  • coagulation
  • eschar
  • rabbit
  • skin necrosis
  • © Copyright 2007 American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Inc. All rights reserved.
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American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science: 20 (2)
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
Vol. 20, Issue 2
Spring 2007
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Cutaneous and Systemic Effects of Varying Doses of Brown Recluse Spider Venom in a Rabbit Model
David L McGlasson, Hugh H Harroff, Jackie Sutton, Edward Dick, Dirk M Elston
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Apr 2007, 20 (2) 99-105; DOI: 10.29074/ascls.20.2.99

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Cutaneous and Systemic Effects of Varying Doses of Brown Recluse Spider Venom in a Rabbit Model
David L McGlasson, Hugh H Harroff, Jackie Sutton, Edward Dick, Dirk M Elston
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Apr 2007, 20 (2) 99-105; DOI: 10.29074/ascls.20.2.99
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Keywords

  • brown recluse spider
  • coagulation
  • eschar
  • rabbit
  • skin necrosis

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