Iron and carbon monoxide attenuate degradation of plasmatic coagulation by Crotalus atrox venom

Vance G. Nielsen, Leslie V. Boyer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Hypofibrinogenemia is an important clinical consequence following envenomation by Crotalus species, usually attenuated or prevented by administration of antivenom. It has been determined that iron and carbon monoxide (CO) enhance fibrinogen as a thrombin substrate, likely secondary to conformational changes in molecular structure. We tested the hypothesis that pretreatment of plasma with iron and CO could attenuate the effects of exposure to Crotalus atrox venom. Human plasma was exposed to 0 to 10 μmol/l ferric chloride (iron source) and 0 to 100 μmol/l CO-releasing molecule-2 (CO source) followed by exposure to 0 to 0.5 μg/ml venom for 5 to 20 min. Changes in coagulation kinetics were determined with thrombelastography. Iron and CO significantly attenuated venom-mediated degradation of plasmatic coagulation in terms of onset time, velocity of clot growth and final clot strength. Further preclinical investigation of iron and CO administration as a 'bridge-to-antivenom' to preserve plasmatic coagulation is justified.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)506-510
Number of pages5
JournalBlood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis
Volume27
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2016

Keywords

  • Crotalus atrox
  • carbon monoxide
  • fibrinogen
  • iron
  • thrombelastography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology

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