Anaphylaxis in guinea pigs challenged with antivenin preparations

Affinity chromatography using acrylamide gel was employed to isolate and purify antibodies to the venom of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus . The present report treats studies done on guinea pigs rather than mice or rabbits, that demonstrates the non-sensitizing properties of the new antivenin. Two sensitized animals and two uninoculated controls were given horse serum. Both sensitized guinea pigs died within 2-3 min, with the classical signs of anaphylaxis. The two control animals were unaffected. Four sensitized animals were given Wyeth antivenin. Three of the four guinea pigs were unaffected. This study indicates the relative safety of the new SR antivenin. The allergenicity of the purified globulin appears markedly reduced by the purification process.