Journal of Biological Science Vol. 1(2), pp. 8- 14 . Feb. 2013 Available online at http://www.wynoacademicjournals.org/bio_sciences.html ©2013 Wynoacademic Journals STUDIES ON EFFECT OF VIPER VENOM ON SERUM ELECTROLYTES AND TRACE ELEMENT LEVELS IN RATS. Abdulrahman Al-Asmari 1 , Nasreddin Abdo Osman 1 , Abdul Aziz 1 , Amal Mohammad Aman 1 , Md. Wasim Khan 1 * 1 Research Centre, Riyadh Military Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Running Title: Role of trace elements in snake envenomation Accepted Date: 11 th February, 2013. ABSTRACT Although there have been substantial evidences on the usefulness of electrolytes and trace elements for the diagnosis of pathological conditions, the evidences for a direct link are very limited. The effect of one sub-lethal dose (4mg/kg body weight) of Bitis arietans crude venom on serum solute and trace element levels in rats has been investigated. Bitis arietans venom caused significant increase in plasma sodium after 6hours of injection with a concomitant decrease in serum potassium levels. Serum sodium also increased after 24hours but the change was not significant whereas the decrease in potassium levels after 24hours was highly significant. Serum copper levels tend to decrease at 3hours and 6 hours but increased profoundly after 24hours. Inversely, serum zinc levels decreased at 6hours and 24hours post administration of venom. We conclude that there is a significant involvement of serum trace elements and electrolytes during the course of envenomation. Furthermore, sodium:potassium and copper:zinc ratios can be used as markers of pathophysiological effects of snake envenomation. Keywords: Envenomation, Copper/Zinc Ratio, Sodium:Potassium Ratio, Snake Venom INTRODUCTION Burgeoning knowledge on the role of trace elements in biological systems is beginning to focus attention on their place in human metabolism. Essential trace elements are necessary not only for optimal function of the mammalian organism, for growth, healing, and activity of many metabolic processes, but for life itself. Sodium is a principal cation in the extracellular fluid and one of the essential mineral elements. Dietary deficiency of sodium has been associated with decreased production and lower fertility in large ruminants (Olson et al., 1989). Normal plasma sodium and potassium concentrations are maintained by balanced intake and excretion, intracellular and extracellular osmotic pressure, and pH (Brobst, 1986). Sodium:potassium (Na:K) ratio has frequently been used as a diagnostic tool to identify adrenal insufficiency. However, other disorders including renal failures, gastrointestinal diseases (parasitism, gastric torsion, malabsorption syndrome, and perforated ulcers), and acidosis can also cause similar electrolyte disturbances classically associated with primary hypoadrenocorticism characterized by hyponatremia and hyperkalemia (Di BArtola et al., 1985; Kelch et al., 1998; Willard et al., 1991). The biological role of copper and zinc, as well as fluctuations in their concentrations in various physiological and pathological conditions, has been intensely investigated in recent years. Serum zinc concentrations decrease in several pathological situations, e.g., some forms of malignancy and liver disorders and in myocardial infarction, ulcers, nephrotic syndrome, Down’s syndrome, and multiple myeloma (Davies et al., 1968; Griffith et al., 1973; Vallee et al., 1956; Halsted, 1974). Andrews demonstrated an increase in the concentrations of copper in serum parallel to the decrease in zinc in some cancer types (Andrewa, 1979). Abnormally high