Analytical Sciences


Abstract − Analytical Sciences, 34(3), 323 (2018).

Development of a Simple Permeability Assay Method for Snake Venom-induced Vascular Damage
Kae SATO,* Ayuki KODAMA,* Chikako KASE,* Satoshi HIRAKAWA,** and Manabu ATO***
*Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Japan Women’s University, Bunkyo, Tokyo 112-8681, Japan
**Department of Dermatology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3192, Japan
***Department of Immunology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
We have developed a novel bioassay method for the detection of snake venom based on the permeability of endothelial cell monolayers cultured in Transwell cell culture inserts. This assay relies on the proteolytic degradation of capillary basement membrane proteins, a pathophysiological event that occurs due to snakebites in vivo. Transwell permeability assays with fluorescence measurements are advantageous with regard to ethical considerations for the use of animals. The assay time was reduced from 24 h for animal tests to 2 h, and many samples could be assayed easily.