What does cytotoxic snake venom do?

Snake venoms, in particular, have evolved a wide diversity of peptides and proteins that induce harmful inflammatory and neurotoxic effects including severe pain and paralysis, hemotoxic effects, such as hemorrhage and coagulopathy, and cytotoxic/myotoxic effects, such as inflammation and necrosis.

Is cytotoxic venom fatal?

These snakes are responsible for many clinically significant bites to humans including fatalities. Species with potently cytotoxic venom, particularly members of the genus Naja (cobras) in Africa and tropical Asia, are major causes of loss-of-function injuries, which may render survivors unable to work [1,2,3].

What does cytotoxic venom contain?

Cytotoxins (CTXs), first discovered in cobra (genus: Naja) venoms, are the most established cytotoxic component of venom. They are single-chain polypeptides of 59-61 amino acids arranged in a three-finger fold made of anti-parallel β-strands, fortified by 4 disulfide bonds and numerous hydrogen bonds.

What are the 4 types of venom?

Venoms kill through the action of at least four major classes of toxin, namely necrotoxins and cytotoxins, which kill cells; neurotoxins, which affect nervous systems; myotoxins, which damage muscles; and hemotoxins which disrupt blood clotting.

Which snake is cytotoxic?

Earlier studies had shown that cytotoxins from a few cobra species, i.e., Naja atra (Chen et al., 2009; Tsai et al., 2016), Naja haje (Feofanov et al., 2005), Naja naja (Das et al., 2013), and Naja oxiana (Ebrahim et al., 2016) were cytotoxic to some cancer cell lines.

Is honey badger immune to snake venom?

Venom-resistant Honey badgers have a super-strong immunity to the venom of snakes and scorpions.

What snake has the most toxic venom?

The inland taipan is the most venomous snake in the world. Based on the median lethal dose value in mice, its venom, drop for drop, is by far the most toxic of any snake – much more so than even sea snakes – and it has the most toxic venom of any reptile when tested on human heart cell culture.

What snakes have neurotoxic venom?

Rinkhals have a Cytotoxic as well as a Neurotoxic venom. Minor neurotoxic snakes include –. Coral Snakes, Shield Nose Snakes, Garter Snakes, Berg adders (generally do not cause respiratory distress). The Elapid group: To many people, the cobras and mambas are the quintessential venomous snake.

How does hemotoxic venom act on the body?

Hemotoxic venom affects the blood and organs, causing a breakdown or inflammation in the body. Hemotoxic venom causes a depletion of red blood cells. When there aren’t enough red blood cells, the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood would also deplete and many body organs including the brain, heart, liver and the kidneys will suffer as a result.

What are some examples of snakes that carry hemotoxic venom?

A common family of hemotoxins includes snake venom metalloproteinases such as mucrolysin. Snake examples: most vipers and many cobra species: The tropical rattlesnake Crotalus durissus produces convulxin, a coagulant.