Edema-forming activity of bushmaster (Lachesis muta stenophrys) and Central American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus durissus) venoms and neutralization by a polyvalent antivenom.

The edema effect induced in mice by venoms of Crotalus durissus durissus and Lachesis muta stenophrys was studied. Minimum edema-forming doses were 11 and 5 micrograms, respectively. Edema developed very rapidly after injections of both venoms and reached a maximum at 6 hr. Neutralizing activity was tested by preincubation of the venoms with polyvalent antivenom. The edema induced by the venom of L. m. stenophrys was partially neutralized, whereas that induced by the venom of C. d. durissus was not neutralized.