Cutaneous and Systemic Effects of Varying Doses of Brown Recluse Spider Venom in a Rabbit Model (Research AND REPORTS‪)‬

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether a dose response exists between the dose of brown recluse spider venom (BRSV) and the cutaneous and coagulation effects in a rabbit model. Cutaneous necrosis is a serious complication of brown recluse spider envenomation (spider bite with venom). Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a dreaded complication of brown recluse envenomation in humans. New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits have proved to be a model for the study of therapeutic regimens to prevent skin necrosis after spider bites. We studied the venom's effects on the skin and the coagulation mechanism in this rabbit model to determine if a clear dose-response relationship could be established. Establishment of a dose-response relationship is an important first step in determining if the NZW rabbit is a suitable model to study both cutaneous and systemic effects of the venom. DESIGN: Thirty-six NZW rabbits were divided into three groups. One group received a saline injection, and the other two groups received a 4.0[micro]g or a 10.0[micro]g dose of purified BRSV intradermally into the skin on the dorsum of the back.