Snake Venom Chemical composition

   Snake Venom  Chemical composition

The normal function of snake venom is to immobilize the prey and to assist in digestion. The toxic component of snake venom can be classified into four broad categories: enzymes, polypeptides, glycoproteins, and compounds of low molecular weight. They can also be classified as protein (90-95%) and nonprotein (5-10%) compounds. provides the chemical composition of snake venom.

Toxic effects of snake venom

The toxic effect of snake venom results from both the protein and the nonprotein component. it is further sophisticated and elaborate by the inflammatory response of the victim's body.
Phospholipase A2 is present in the venom of all families of poisonous snakes and is the enzyme that has been most widely studied. Phospholipase A2 inhibits electron transfer at cytochrome C level and renders mitochondrial-bound enzymes soluble. It damages red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets, skeletal muscle, vascular endothelium, peripheral nerve endings, and the myoneural junction.
Hyaluronidase helps spread of venom through tissues, and proteolytic enzymes are sensible for the local edema, blistering, and necrosis.

α- Neurotoxins bind to acetylcholine receptors at the motor end-plate, whereas β- neurotoxins first cause release of acetylcholine at the nerve endings at the myoneural junction and then damage the endings, preventing further release of transmitter.All this leads to a flaccid paralysis of the victim.
Polypeptides, being smaller molecules, are rapidly absorbed into the systemic circulation and cause systemic toxicity in vessel-rich organs (e.g., heart, lung, kidneys, etc.) along with at pre- and postsynaptic membranes.