INVITRO MODEL FOR STUDYING HEMOLYSIS ASSOCIATED WITH VENOM FROM THE BROWN RECLUSE SPIDER (LOXOSCELES-RECLUSA)

J. M. Futrell, B. B. Morgan and P. N. Morgan. An in vitro model for studying hemolysis associated with venom from the brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa). Toxicon 17, 355-362, 1979.-A quantitative in vitro hemolytic test has been developed based on observations that a component (or components) in venom from the brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa, reacts with and alters human erythrocytes. These erythrocytes are specifically lysed by fresh (but not heat-inactivated) normal, blood group-compatible human adult sera. Erythrocytes and fresh sera from several blood group-compatible donors were studied and results showed hemolytic properties were quantitatively associated with individual sera rather than differences in erythrocytes. However, the erythrocytes from all animal species did not react with venom in a similar manner. The erythrocytes from humans and swine, but not those of dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits, were able to participate in a hemolytic reaction. Serum complement apparently played a primary role in this hemolytic reaction since several known complement inhibitors (carrageenan, ε-aminocaproic acid, antiserum to human Clq, zymosan, hydrazine and salicyladoxime), when added to fresh normal human adult sera, prevented the lysis of venom-sensitized erythrocytes. Other serum factors also appeared to be involved since fresh, normal human cord sera, containing significant amounts of functional serum complement, were unable to lyse venom-sensitized human erythrocytes. © 1979.