The Modification of Experimental Occlusive Arterial Thrombosis in the Rat by Malayan Pit Viper Venom

Summary

The effect of Malayan pit viper (Ancistrodon rhodostoma) venom on the fate of experimental arterial thrombosis was studied in rats. A suitable daily dose of venom (500 μg) was used to induce hypofibrinogenaemia in the treated rats for the greater part of each of three consecutive post-operative days.

The treated animals showed a statistically significant overall reduction in the incidence of both red thrombus formation and thrombotic arterial occlusion when compared to a control group. This antithrombotic effect of the venom could be observed in the 7-day period following the cessation of the treatment.

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