RESUMO
The histopathological changes induced in avian kidney by the intramuscular injection of Bothrops insularis (jararaca ilh a) venom and its phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-containing fraction were examined. Acute experiments (3 h and 24 h) with B. insularis crude venom (20 microg and 80 microg) or its PLA2-contaning fraction (10 microg and 40 microg) resulted in significant structural damage to the kidneys of 5-12-day-old chicks. Histopathological analysis indicated that the venom and its fraction acted on the renal tubules and glomeruli. The morphological changes, although widespread, varied in intensity from cell to cell, and from tubule to tubule in venom-injected chicks. The tubular and glomerular changes produced by the venom and its PLA2-containing fraction may be the result of a direct cytotoxic effect potentiated by ischemia-related disturbances in the regional hemodynamics. The venom and its fraction affected more segments along reptilian-type nephrons than along mammalian ones. This divergent sensitivity to the venom and its fraction may reflect the species-specific characteristics of B. insularis snake, an example of geographical isolation influencing its diet which is almost exclusively avian.