The effect of green pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) venom on platelet morphology by electron microscopy.
The incidence of venomous snake bites increases every year in Thailand, especially due to green pit viper. After the bite, there is bleeding due to thrombin-like property of the venom. The mean platelet volume has been reported to be decreased in those who have been bitten by this snake. In this study we investigate the effect of green pit viper venom (Trimeresurus albolabris) on platelet volume (MPV), number and morphology of platelets in vitro. The test was carried out by washing platelets in phosphate buffer at pH 7.2 to remove fibrinogen, then the washed platelets were mixed with green pit viper venom. Platelet morphology was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The morphology of platelets was smaller than normal which ranges from 1.1- 1.2 microm. Green pit viper venom can directly effect platelet morphology, decreasing platelet volume.
Soogarun
Suphan
S
Clinical Microscopy Research Unit, Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. suphan.s@chula.ac.th
Choewbamrungkiat
Montri
M
Wiwanitkit
Viroj
V
Suwansaksri
Jamsai
J
Nopanitaya
Waykin
W
Pradniwat
Paweena
P
Palasuwan
Attakorn
A
Chanprasert
Supantitra
S
Jangprasert
Panchalee
P
Netsupun
Pacharaporn
P
Sirisapsombat
Wacharin
W
D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D048429:Cell Size / Q000187:drug effects; D003435:Crotalid Venoms / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010976:Platelet Count; D013785:Thailand; D017841:Trimeresurus
D003435:Crotalid Venoms