Abstract:Micrurus spixii venom was studied after fractionation by Sephadex G-100 SF gel filtration chromatography. Several enzymatic activities and biological effects were investigated in whole venom and fractions. The venom was resolved in four peaks in a range of about 73.2-10.7 kDa molecular weight. Alkaline phosphatase and acetylcholinesterase activities were found in peak I, and procoagulant activity was seen in peak II. Phospholipase A2, hemorrhagic, and proteolytic activities were detected in peak III. A second … Show more
“…M. surinamensis venom exhibited high neurotoxicity, causing death via respiratory paralysis within minutes of injection. Toxins present in Micrurus venoms generally do not cause localized or systemic bleeding and induce mild myonecrosis 48,11 , while M. surinamensis venom is not known to induce myotoxicity, hemorrhage, or edema 49 . At high concentrations, M. altirostris venom does not cause bleeding, dermonecrosis, or coagulant activity 37 ; venoms of M. averyi and M. fulvius cause hemorrhaging, renal damage, and severe inflammation 49,50 .…”
Most proteins in the venom had masses < 14kDa, low phospholipase A2 activity, and no proteolytic activity. The toxins inhibited the coagulation cascade. The venom had neurotoxic effects in mice, with a median lethal dose upon intravenous administration of 700 µg/kg. Immunogenic studies revealed abundant cross-reactivity of antielapidic serum with 14kDa toxins and limited cross-reactivity with toxins < 10kDa. These results indicate that antielapidic serum against M. surinamensis venom has weak potency (0.35mg/ml) in mice.
“…M. surinamensis venom exhibited high neurotoxicity, causing death via respiratory paralysis within minutes of injection. Toxins present in Micrurus venoms generally do not cause localized or systemic bleeding and induce mild myonecrosis 48,11 , while M. surinamensis venom is not known to induce myotoxicity, hemorrhage, or edema 49 . At high concentrations, M. altirostris venom does not cause bleeding, dermonecrosis, or coagulant activity 37 ; venoms of M. averyi and M. fulvius cause hemorrhaging, renal damage, and severe inflammation 49,50 .…”
Most proteins in the venom had masses < 14kDa, low phospholipase A2 activity, and no proteolytic activity. The toxins inhibited the coagulation cascade. The venom had neurotoxic effects in mice, with a median lethal dose upon intravenous administration of 700 µg/kg. Immunogenic studies revealed abundant cross-reactivity of antielapidic serum with 14kDa toxins and limited cross-reactivity with toxins < 10kDa. These results indicate that antielapidic serum against M. surinamensis venom has weak potency (0.35mg/ml) in mice.
“…Envenomation caused by snake venoms remains a neglected public health problem in most tropical countries. A better understanding of the venoms and clinical aspects of snakebites facilitates the prevention and management of the victims [ 1 , 2 ]. Colombia has a rich fauna of reptiles, particularly venomous snakes.…”
BackgroundAlthough the red-tailed coral snake (Micrurus mipartitus) is widely distributed in Colombia and its venom is highly neurotoxic and life threatening, envenomation by this species is rare. Therefore, this report may shed some light on the clinical presentation of M. mipartitus bites.Case presentationsHerein, we describe two cases of patients bitten by red-tailed coral snakes, illustrating the clinical presentation of the victims, the outcomes and treatment provided.ConclusionEnvenomation caused by M. mipartitus provokes predicable neurotoxicity, and its treatment should be based on respiratory support and use of specific antivenom.
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