Determination of effects of venom on renal function using in vivo and in vitro models

Determination of effects of venom of Russell’s viper (Vipera russelli pulchella), cobra (Naja naja) and hump-nosed viper (Hypnale hypnale) on renal function using in vivo and in vitro models. Animal models such as rats and rabbits were used to study the pathophysiology of renal effects of venoms using isolated rabbit kidney models kidney slice models and in vivo models for the PhD. Funded by the National Science Foundation and Kidney Research Fund.

Name of the Researchers

1. Dr Mangala Gunatilake
2. Dr Tara de Mel
3. Dr P. Angunawela
4. Dr Ari de Tissera
5. Dr R.L. Jayakody

Research awards

1. Daphne Attygalle Award for the best communication at the 109^th Academic Sessions of the Sri Lanka Medical Association in 1996.
2. Award for the best poster presentation at the Academic Sessions of the College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka in 1997.
3. Young Investigators Award by the Executive Committee of the 34^th International Union of the Physiological Sciences Congress (IUPS) in 2001.

Related Publications

1. Direct nephrotoxic effects produced by venoms of Sri  Lankan cobra, Russell’s viper and hump-nosed viper.
   Mangala Gunatilake, R L Jayakody, P Angunawela, A de Tissera
   The Ceylon Journal of Medical Science, 2003; 46 (2): 61-66
2. Direct nephrotoxic effect of Sri Lankan Russell’s viper venom – an experimental study using in vitro models.
   Gunatilake M, Jayakody R L, Angunawela P, Tissera A De
   The Ceylon Journal of Medical Science, 2002; 45 (2): 59-70
3. Time of onset and mechanism of nephrotoxicity after envenoming rats with Russell’s viper venom and cobra venom
   M. Gunatilake, T De Mel, C Fernando, P Angunawela, A De Tissera, J. Welihinda
   Journal of the Ceylon College of Physicians, 1996; 29/1: 29-35

Communications

1. Direct Nephrotoxic effect of Sri Lankan Russell’s Viper Venom- an Experimental Study Using In Vitro Models.
   M Gunatilake, P Angunawela, A De Tissera, R L Jayakody.
   XXXIV International Congress of Physiological Sciences (IUPS) held in Christchurch, New Zealand, 2001, Abstract No. 29
2. Comparison of Direct Nephrotoxic Effect Produced by Venoms of Sri Lankan Russell’s Viper, Cobra and Hump-Nosed Viper.
   M Gunatilake, P Angunawela, A De Tissera, R L Jayakody
   XXXIV International Congress of Physiological Sciences held in Christchurch, New Zealand, 2001, Abstract No. 27
3. Direct Nephrotoxic effect of Sri Lankan Russell’s Viper Venom- an Experimental Study Using In Vitro Models.
   M Gunatilake, P Angunawela, A De Tissera, R L Jayakody.
   Proceedings of the Annual Sessions of the Physiological Society of Sri Lanka, 2001
4. Determination of the LD50 and histological changes in kidney, liver and heart of rats after injection of hump-nosed viper venom.
   M Gunatilake, P Angunawela, D S Kodikara, R L Jayakody, T de Mel
   Proceedings of the 50^th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association in 1998.
5. Pathological changes observed in the kidneys of rats and rabbits with different types of venom.
   M Gunatilake, P Angunawela, A de Tissera
   Proceedings of the Academic Sessions of the College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka, 1997.
6. In vitro assessment of mechanisms of renal failure in rabbits following envenomation by Russesll’s viper venom (Vipera russelli pulchella) and the efficacy of polyvalent antivenom in neutralizing the toxicity.
   M. Gunatilake, A de Tissera, P Angunawela, A Dangolla, D.S Kodikara, Tara de Mel
   Proceedings of the 49^th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association in 1997, p 12
7. Pathological changes observed in rabbits after envenomation with hump-nosed viper venom.
   M Gunatilake, P Angunawela, A De Tissera, R. L Jayakody, Tara de Mel
   Proceedings of the 110^th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Medical Association 1997; OP 9
8. Testing renal function using isolated perfused kidney model after envenomation of rabbits with Russell’s viper venom.
   M Gunatilake, A de Tissera, P Angunawela, T de Mel
   Proceedings of the 109^th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Medical    Association in 1996; 23: p 22-23
9. Is cobra venom nephrotoxic?
   M Gunatilake, P Angunawela, A de Tissera, Tara de Mel
   Proceedings of the International Medical Congress – 125^th Anniversary Sessions of the Colombo Medical School, 1995; p.25-26
10. Time of onset and cause of nephrotoxicity after envenoming rats with Russell’s viper venom.
    C Fernando, P Angunawela, J Welihinda, M Gunatilake, Rezvi Sheriff, Tara de  Mel
    Proceedings of the 27^th Annual Academic Sessions of the Ceylon College of  Physicians, 1994; 1: p. 13