MECHANISM OF SNAKE VENOM ACTION.
Abstract
The in vivo distribution of radioiodine-labeled snake venoms and the preparation of a specific antiserum to the venom neurotoxin were the objectives of this research. Whole-animal autoradiographic studies showed that the labeled venoms were readily metabolized in mice and were excreted by various routes. Marked localization of cobra (Naja naja) and rattlesnake (Crotalus t. terrificus) venoms in the renal cortex was observed. The cottonmouth moccasin (Agkistrodon p. piscivorus) venom accumulated in the liver. Intravenously administered radioiodinated antivenin concentrated at the site of intramuscular venom injection. Antiserum to the neurotoxin of cobra venom was produced in rabbits and the gamma globulin fraction isolated. The antineurotoxin preparation protected mice against the whole cobra venom between 2 and 3 times better than commercial antivenin and neutralized up to 15-kg mouse LD (50) doses of the neurotoxin. Immunologic crossreactions among venoms of several cobra species were oberved. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0600981
Entities
People
- George B. Sumyk
- Philip Kashin
Organizations
- IIT Research Institute