Phosphate-Buffered Saline and Dimethyl Sulfoxide Enhance the Antivenom Action of Ruthenium Chloride against Crotalus atrox Venom in Human Plasma—A Preliminary Report

Ruthenium chloride (RuCl₃) is widely utilized for synthesis and catalysis of numerous compounds in academia and industry and is utilized as a key molecule in a variety of compounds with medical applications. Interestingly, RuCl₃ has been demonstrated to modulate human plasmatic coagulation and serves as a constituent of a compounded inorganic antivenom that neutralizes the coagulopathic effects of snake venom in vitro and in vivo. Using thrombelastography, this investigation sought to determine if RuCl₃ inhibition of the fibrinogenolytic effects of Crotalus atrox venom could be modulated by vehicle composition in human plasma. Venom was exposed to RuCl₃ in 0.9% NaCl, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), or 0.9% NaCl containing 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). RuCl₃ inhibited venom-mediated delay in the onset of thrombus formation, decreased clot growth velocity, and decreased clot strength. PBS and DMSO enhanced the effects of RuCl₃. It is concluded that while a Ru-based cation is responsible for significant inhibition of venom activity, a combination of Ru-based ions containing phosphate and DMSO enhances RuCl₃-mediated venom inhibition. Additional investigation is indicated to determine what specific Ru-containing molecules cause venom inhibition and what other combinations of inorganic/organic compounds may enhance the antivenom effects of RuCl₃.