THE EFFECTS OF X-IRRADIATION ON THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF COTTONMOUTH MOCCASIN (AGKISTRODON PISCIVORUS) VENOM,
Abstract
These studies were made to determine the effects of X-irradiation on the lathality and local re activity of cottonmouth moccasin venom. The local reactivity of the venom was reduced 50-65 per cent. The lethal effect was markedly de creased. It took almost six times the weight of lyophilized X-irradiated venom to produce the mouse LD50. Immunoelectrophoresis and immunodiffusion demonstrated little difference in the pattern of antigens of X-irradiated and normal venom. Additional investigation is nec essary to thoroughly evaluate the use of X-ir radiation in the toxoiding of venoms. Studies of antisera prepared by injection of X-irradia tion into experimental animals are underway. The capability of those antisera to neutralize local effects and lethality is significant and encouraging. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 16, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0413791
Entities
People
- Herschel H. Flowers
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Laboratory