Randomised controlled double-blind non-inferiority trial of two antivenoms for saw-scaled or carpet viper (Echis ocellatus) envenoming in Nigeria.

Background: In West Africa, envenoming by saw-scaled or carpet vipers (Echis ocellatus) causes great morbidity and mortality, but there is a crisis in supply of effective and affordable antivenom (ISRCTN01257358).

Methods: In a randomised, double-blind, controlled, non-inferiority trial, "EchiTAb Plus-ICP" (ET-Plus) equine antivenom made by Instituto Clodomiro Picado was compared to "EchiTAb G" (ET-G) ovine antivenom made by MicroPharm, which is the standard of care in Nigeria and was developed from the original EchiTAb-Fab introduced in 1998. Both are caprylic acid purified whole IgG antivenoms.

Pre-clinical and preliminary dose-finding and safety studies to identify candidate antivenoms for treatment of envenoming by saw-scaled or carpet vipers (Echis ocellatus) in northern Nigeria.

The aim of this study was to identify candidate antivenoms with specific activity against the venom of the saw-scaled or carpet viper (Echis ocellatus) in northern Nigeria, where bites by this species cause great morbidity and mortality but where effective antivenoms have become scarce and unaffordable. Selected antivenoms were destined to be compared by randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs). Standard pre-clinical neutralisation assays were carried out in rodents.

Effect of quinine on electroshock and pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in mice.

1. Effect of quinine on electroshock and pentylenetetrazol (leptazol)-induced seizures was investigated in mice. 2.

Some behavioural effects of quinine in mice.

The effects of quinine on motor activity, pentobarbitone-induced sleep and gross behaviour were examined in mice. Low doses of quinine (0.1-0.

Concurrent monitoring of central carbamazepine and transmitter amine metabolism and motor activity in individual unrestrained rats using repetitive withdrawal of cerebrospinal fluid.

A method for repeated withdrawal of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the cisterna magna was used in a pharmacokinetic and behavioural study of conscious, freely-moving rats, given the antiepileptic drug carbamazepine (35 mg/kg i.p.).