Experimental studies on the spitting cobra ophthalmia (Naja nigricollis).

Experimental studies were conducted to investigate the clinical and morphological effects of various doses of Naja nigricollis venom (0.1-5.0 mg) on the eyes of rabbits. Our findings suggest that in the early stage of the ophthalmia caused by the spitting cobra, specific fractions of the venom are responsible for the nitrogen mustardlike effect. However, the further course seems to be determined by liberated inflammation mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes.