Exploring the Protective Effects of Bellucia dichotoma Cong. Aqueous Extract on Spleens Following Bothrops atrox Envenomation in Mice: A Stereological Investigation

The aqueous extract of Bellucia dichotoma (AeBd) has traditionally been used in cases of snakebites and has been shown to be promising against the effects of Bothrops atrox venom (BaV). There is evidence of local venom blocking action by AeBd in envenomed mice; however, studies of the systemic action of this plant against BaV are lacking. Antibothropic serum (ABS) is the conventional therapy after envenomation by B. atrox. The association of AeBd and ABS can also be an alternative for the patient. As an organ capable of initiating the innate and adaptive defense, the spleen is a sensor of the body’s immune status. Via stereology, this study evaluated the mouse spleen when challenged with the venom of B. atrox, as well as the role of AeBd (alone or in association with ABS) as an alternative treatment for Bothrops envenomations. In this study, male Swiss mice were divided into five groups: control, BaV, AeBd, AeBd/ABS, and ABS. After 24 h, the spleens were removed and set in plastic resin according to the norms of stereology to produce 9-13 sections/organ. Red (RP) and white pulp (WP) represented 67-75 % and 22-29 %, respectively, in all groups. Spleen volume was reduced in BaV due to decreased RP and WP (PALS). The number of macrophages was increased in BaV in relation to the other groups (from 2.289 ± 301 in the control to 3.807 ± 494 cells.mm-2). No changes were detected in the numbers of lymphocytes and megakaryocytes. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of B. dichotoma administered orally shortly after a B. atrox envenomation was effective in inhibiting morphological alterations in the spleen of the mice. The association AeBd/ABS maintains the same venom blocking effectiveness, thus showing that the use of this traditional therapy (AeBd) by local populations can be effective in inhibiting the systemic effects caused by B. atrox envenomations.