Question

An Eastern diamondback rattlesnake was milked until 0.109 g of venom was obtained. The venom was then administered subcutaneously in equal portions to 640 mice with an average weight of 0.64 oz, and exactly half the mice died. What is the LD50 (in g/kg) for the snake venom in mice?

Answer 1

The LD50 value is defined as the amount of a substance (or venom) causing death of 50% injected mice. Venom median lethal dose (LD50) assessment is useful for the determination of the scorpion or snake venom toxicity, as well as potency of anti-venom serum.

0.109g was administered in equal portion to 640 mice so dose administered to one mouse is= 0.109/640

=0.17*10^-3g/mouse

average weight of mouse is 0.64oz=18.14g

so LD50 (subcutaneous) is =0.17 *10^-3/(18.14*10^{-3 )}

   =0.00937g/kg