The Role of Antibodies Specific for Toxic sPLA sub(2)s and Haemorrhagins in Neutralizing Potential of Antisera Raised Against Vipera Ammodytes Ammodytes Venom

The role of antibodies specific for toxic sPLA2s and haemorrhagins in neutralizing potential of antisera raised against Vipera ammodytes ammodytes venom is investigated. The most toxic components of the V. a. ammodytes venom are extensively studied regarding biochemical and pathophysiological characteristics. Their immunological status is still practically unknown. The lethal toxicity of venoms, expressed in the term of a median lethal dose, is determined. For each rabbit serum, the toxicity-neutralization potency, considered as the measure of its protective efficacy (R), and the quantities of anti-H IgG, anti-AtxA IgG and anti-venom IgG are determined. An excellent correlation is found between protective efficacy and anti-AtxA IgG content of the antiserum. In conclusion, the correlation between the protective efficacies of antisera produced in rabbits against the venom of V. a. ammodytes and quantities of IgG specific for the whole venom and its most toxic components shall be studied.