Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2021, Vol. 25 ›› Issue (11): 1688-1692.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.3087

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A Guangxi Bama minipig model of Trimeresurus stejnegeri snakebite: modeling and evaluation

Mo Caifeng, Cheng Xiaoyang, Liao Ming, He Dongling, Huang Zhi   

  1. Institute of Life Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • Received:2020-07-01 Revised:2020-07-04 Accepted:2020-08-05 Online:2021-04-18 Published:2020-12-21
  • Contact: Liao Ming, MD, Professor, Institute of Life Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • About author:Mo Caifeng, Master candidate, Institute of Life Sciences, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
  • Supported by:
    the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81860344 (to LM); the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation, No. 2018GXNSFAA281087 (to LM)

Abstract: BACKGROUND:  At present, there are not many research methods on the pathological mechanism of Trimeresurus stejnegeri snakebite, and there are few methods for constructing animal models.
OBJECTIVE: To establish and evaluate the Guangxi Bama minipig model for research on the pathological mechanism, diagnosis and treatment of Trimeresurus stejnegeri snakebite. 
METHODS: Based on the 50% lethal dose of intramuscularly injected Trimeresurus stejnegeri venom to mice, the theoretical 50% lethal venom dose for Bama minipigs was calculated by the equivalent dose coefficient conversion and reduction algorithm, and the body surface area conversion algorithm. Twelve Bama minipigs were randomly divided into a normal group (n=6) and a model group (n=6). The model group was injected intramuscularly with 0.2 mL/kg snake venom 1/3 of the theoretical 50% lethal dose (0.643 mg/kg). The control group was injected with the same amount of normal saline. After snake venom injection, the poisoning symptoms of Bama minipigs were observed. Two groups of animal blood samples were collected before, 6 hours and 24 hours after snake venom injection. Blood routine test, four coagulation items, blood biochemistry and electrolyte were detected. Histopathological changes of the heart, brain, lung, liver, and kidney as well as the injection site were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The study protocol was approved by the Laboratory Animal Ethics Committee (approval No. 201909013). 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was swelling at the wound of the piglet accompanied with blood blisters after snake venom injection. The affected limbs and the surrounding area were swollen and spread rapidly to the proximal end. The piglets walked all the time because of the pain, and no animal died during the experiment. Compared with the control group pig, the model group had higher red blood cell count, white blood cell count, alanine aminotransferase, D-dimer count, longer prothrombin time, and lower fibrinogen and platelet count. Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that, compared with the control group, capillary permeability of piglet lung tissues in the model group was increased with hyperemia and edema. Edema, bleeding, degeneration and necrosis were seen in the muscle tissue on the injection site. No obvious abnormalities in other organs and tissues were observed. To conclude, this method can be used to establish a pig model of Trimeresurus stejnegeri snakebite that can reflect the pathophysiological process of Trimeresurus stejnegeri snakebite. It has operability and repeatability that can be used to study the pathophysiological mechanism of Trimeresurus stejnegeri snakebite.


Key words: Trimeresurus stejnegeri, Bama minipig, animal model, establishment, evaluation

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