Snake lungs are used in medicine. The use of snake venoms and drugs in medical practice. Components of snake venom

Such a combination of words as “snake venom” evokes far from pleasant associations in people. And this is quite logical, because this product of snake life often leads not only to a significant deterioration in human health, but sometimes even to death.

But the above-described changes in the functional state of the body occur only in natural conditions in a situation where a person was bitten by a snake. However, people who care about their health, as well as fashionistas, are firmly convinced (and not without reason) that snake venom is applicable in the entire spectrum of life spheres.

For example, in medicine and cosmetology this natural component was adopted long ago, and on its basis drugs began to be created that could help people. Below we will look at some options for using snake venom, the properties of this substance if it helps people, as well as situations in which this venom should be avoided.

Snake venom is a product of the functioning of specific poisonous glands, in this case, modified salivary glands located in the snake’s head, and more specifically, behind the eyes. A toxic substance is injected into the victim’s body during a bite, entering through the poisonous teeth along with saliva.

Even in tiny doses, this toxic substance is potent and has a pronounced effect on the body, starting with organs important for life. This substance is one of those few that have no artificial analogues.

Of the almost six dozen species of snakes found in the vast expanses of Belarus and the Russian Federation, only eleven are potentially dangerous, that is, poisonous.

The structure of snake venom can vary depending on the type of reptile. However, the list of main active ingredients is relatively stable. These include: molecules capable of containing more than a dozen amino acids of different orders, that is, polypeptides, as well as microelements, complex proteins and enzymes.

The structure of the venom may be determined by the production or presence of certain types of amino acids and proteins in the snake's body. The specific effect of snake glandular secretions on the human body has become the basis for the reproduction of many medications, as well as cosmetic products.

There are two types of snake venom, which differ fundamentally in the pattern of their effect on the human body:

• a toxic substance with hemocoagulative, hemorrhagic and necrotizing effects, acting in the form of high-molecular proteins found in the venom of copperheads and vipers, disrupts the functioning of the circulatory system, promotes the appearance of edema at the site of the bite and causes tissue necrosis;
• the poison, which includes both cardio- and neurotropic toxins, can be found in sea snakes, cobras and adders, whose iron secretion produces a depressant effect on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

It should be remembered that many substances are actually capable of serving a person well, but only if used with skillful hands and snakes in equal volumes.

Snake iron secretion is not applicable in medical practice in its pure form: a diluted solution containing preservatives, glycerin, stabilizers and other necessary components is used.

The positive effect of using snake venom is due to its basic properties: the ability to influence the nervous system, as well as causing a local skin reaction. This toxic substance can be used both in the form of creams and injections, and ointments.

The five main characteristics of the medicinal properties of snake venom are described below:

1. They are used both independently and as part of therapeutic complexes for the treatment of processes in the chronicle of the nervous and spinal systems. Relieves pain syndrome in acute forms of osteochondrosis, polyarthritis and rheumatic articular lesions. Promotes the absorption of medications that have an anti-inflammatory effect, promoting the deepest penetration of local tissue physiotherapeutic methods.
2. Constantly ongoing innovative research into the effectiveness of therapy with this substance has led to the development of therapeutic methods that eliminate the consequences of diabetes mellitus and cancer diseases using snake venom, which is able to inhibit the development and growth of cancer cells.
3. The venom of this type of animal, being part of ointments that have medical purposes, helps relieve inflammation, and neurotropic toxins act as a local anesthetic. That is, this substance is applicable for relieving pain syndrome, increasing blood flow in the area that was affected, and relieving inflammation at the site of therapeutic use. Due to the properties described above, the healing process is much faster than with conventional drug treatment for joint inflammation, muscle inflammation, some types of skin diseases, and neuralgia.
4. This substance, which has a toxic effect, is also applicable in medicine and in emergency situations: it became the basis for the discovery of a serum that can neutralize the venom of vipers after a bite. If a patient goes to a medical institution in a timely manner, doctors, without much effort, manage to save this person’s life, avoiding all sorts of health complications in the foreseeable future.
5. Scientists have also proven the effect of the mucous secretion of snakes on the blood, depending on the dosage: it can either help the blood clot or dilute it.

Due to the occurrence of all sorts of side effects, any remedy containing snake venom should be prescribed only by a specialist. Without a preliminary examination and consultation with the treating physician, such an ointment or cream should not be used!

Treatment with snake venom in medical circles has two equally used names - “snake therapy” and venom therapy, and has been applicable from time immemorial. Since our ancestors believed in the snake’s ability to resurrect the deceased and help with infertility.

This substance is also widely used to improve the immune system of the human body, hair growth in cases of complete baldness, tuberculosis, and relief of bronchial asthma attacks.

Despite the fact that most of the myths have been debunked a long time ago, science is still conducting a lot of research into the mechanisms of the effects of these types of substances on individual organs and organ systems contained in the human body.

The most incredible experiments with original means are used by people who want to remain young forever to prolong their visual youth. A toxic substance from the special glands of the reptile also took its place in this niche.

We use this type of poison in cosmetology as a product similar in its effect to Botox, that is, created to combat wrinkles. In fact, the 2 above-mentioned drugs are not analogues, although the result of their use is quite similar.

At the site of application, snake venom smoothes out facial wrinkles. If you use a variety of products that contain this type of poison, then age-related changes in a certain number of cases can decrease by half, subject to a long period of use.

Cosmetic cream preparations containing this component are also used:

• in the form of a tincture as a means to increase potency - in the East;
• in massage parlors for the skin;
• to improve hair growth as one of the ingredients in shampoo.

Symptoms of the effects of snake venom on the human body

After a snake bite, a wide variety of processes occur in the body; the clinical picture varies depending on the place where the bite occurred, the type of reptile and many other factors, which are not possible to list.

1. The local reaction develops rapidly immediately after a stink bug or viper bite, and manifests itself in the form of a change in skin color, pain and tissue swelling. Sometimes, in the most severe cases, swelling can quickly spread to the entire body.
2. In the first three quarters of an hour, shock symptoms are likely to occur, manifested in the form of dizziness, tachycardia, fainting, pallor of the skin, nausea and weakness.
3. The effect of snake venom on the blood is manifested in the following indicators: the functioning of the entire blood coagulation system is disrupted, then the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome occurs, which is characterized as a condition of the circulatory system of the most severe degree, which leads to the deteriorated functioning of all organ systems in the human body.
4. Complications in liver function, cardiac and renal, as well as gangrene of the wrist and foot fingers, tissue necrosis begins to develop a little later.
5. The local reaction after a cobra bite is not particularly significant: the swelling is small, the bite site becomes numb, and the color of the skin does not change.
6. A quarter of an hour after the injection of snake venom into the human body, saliva flow, impaired coordination of movements and speech, weakness, vomiting, muscle paralysis and asphyxia occur.

First aid rules for snake bites

• ensuring complete rest and immediate delivery to the hospital of the victim;
• suction or squeezing out poisonous drops in the first ten minutes after the bite. For places that are difficult to reach during self-suction, it is possible to use a plastic syringe with a cut off spout;
• complete exclusion of alcohol-containing products, plenty of warm drinks are prescribed to the victim;
• prohibition of applying a tourniquet to the affected limb, because in this case it is possible to accelerate the process of intoxication.

So which snake venom is dangerous or beneficial? All this is quite situational.

If prescribed inappropriately and improperly used, any, even the most effective, good medication or expensive cream can become toxic. For this reason, before using any product, you should find out the most accurate information about it from specialists, and also use them only as prescribed by your doctor.

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Snake venom is a secretion of the poisonous glands of some snakes. Venom glands are located behind the snake's eyes and are modified salivary glands that open outward through excretory ducts that communicate with the grooves or canals of two poisonous teeth.

Of the 3 thousand species of snakes, which live on Earth, are mainly used in medical practice in Russia 3.

They use poison

• common viper - Vipera berus,
• viper - Vipera lebetina (viper family - Viperidae),
• Central Asian cobra - Naja oxiana (slate family - Elapidae).

Common viper distributed throughout the central zone of the European part of Russia, in Siberia - from the Urals to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, on Sakhalin.

Gyurza found in the Caucasus and Transcaucasia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and southern Kyrgyzstan.

Cobra lives in southern Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and southwestern Tajikistan.

Obtaining snake venom

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To obtain venom, snakes are caught and kept in special nurseries - serpentariums. Capturing viper and cobra is carried out only under licenses.

Serpentariums are found in Central Asia and Estonia. To obtain venom, the snake is allowed to bite the edge of a glass cup covered with film, or the gland is pressed (“milked”), or the gland is irritated with a weak electric current, causing muscle contraction. Snakes do not tolerate captivity well and live in serpentariums for no more than a year.

The amount of venom that can be obtained from one snake, ranges from 2 mg to 720 mg of dry residue and depends on its size, type, time of year, interval between taking venom, microclimate, physiological state of the snake and method of venom selection.

Physico-chemical properties of snake venom

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Snake venom is a thin, transparent liquid, colorless or yellowish, heavier than water.

When mixed with water it produces opalescence.

The reaction of viper and viper venom is acidic, while cobra venom is neutral.

Quickly loses activity (toxicity) in water, ether, chloroform, and when exposed to UV rays.

Preserves well when frozen or freeze-dried; In this form, snake venom remains toxic for decades. Dried poison - yellow crystals, easily soluble in water, glycerin, saline solutions; When exposed to alcohol, the poison is inactivated.

Chemical composition of snake venoms

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The chemical composition of snake venoms is very complex and has not yet been fully studied.

The main components of poisons are

• proteins that determine the main toxicity of poisons.

The main feature of their action is their effect on biological membranes. Under their influence, body cells and subcellular structures are damaged.

In terms of physicochemical properties, the protein components of various poisons are similar, but in terms of pharmacological action they differ sharply. The protein component of viper venom (viperotoxin) causes predominantly hemodynamic disorders.

In cobra venom contains cobrotoxin, which has a neurotoxic effect. Snake venoms contain many highly active enzymes, which also have a damaging effect on cells and intercellular substance: hyaluronidase, phospholipase A 2, phosphoesterase, DNase, ATPase, nucleotide pyrophosphatase, L-amino acid oxidase, etc.; Cobra venom also contains acetylcholinesterase and alkaline phosphatase;

in the venom of viper snakes- proteases; There are also minerals, pigments, etc.

The nature of the toxic effect of snake venoms

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Based on the nature of their toxic effects, snake venoms are divided into 2 groups.

1. Hemorrhagic poisons(viper, viper). They act on the blood, destroying red blood cells, disrupting the integrity of blood capillaries. In this case, blood clots form in the vessels, and then the blood loses its ability to clot for a long time, extensive hemorrhages and swelling form.
2. Neurotropic poisons(cobra). They act primarily on the central nervous system, causing paralysis of the skeletal and respiratory muscles, weakening of breathing and death from paralysis of the respiratory center.

Properties and uses of snake venom

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Snake venoms are raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry.

Preparations containing snake venom are used as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and local irritant for diseases of the peripheral nervous system.

Snake venoms are prescribed for treatment

• epilepsy,
• old forms of radiculitis,
• sciatica,
• rheumatism,
• bronchial asthma,
• and also for arthritis,
• neuralgia,
• polyarthritis,
• myositis.

Contraindicated for patients suffering from organic damage to the liver, kidneys, pulmonary tuberculosis, insufficiency of cerebral and coronary circulation and increased sensitivity to poison.

The drugs are produced

• in ampoules for subcutaneous and intramuscular administration,
• and also in the form of an ointment for external use.

Preparations:

• based on viper venom “Vipraxin”, injection solution; ointment "Viprosal B";
• ointments “Viprosal”, “Nizhvisal” based on viper poison;
• based on cobra venom “Nayaxin”, injection solution;
• liniment "Vipratox" based on the venom of various snakes.

Contraindications:

• increased sensitivity of the body to snake venoms,
• pulmonary tuberculosis,
• feverish conditions,
• insufficiency of cerebral and coronary circulation,
• heart defects,
• tendency to vasospasms,
• organic damage to the liver and kidneys,
• pregnancy and breastfeeding,
• pustular skin diseases,
• damage to the skin at the site of application.

Individual components of the poison viper and cobra, for example oxidase, phospholipase A 2, phosphodiesterase, endonuclease, etc., are produced as chemical reagents.

Snake venoms and their components are used for scientific purposes as immunosuppressants, for studying the mechanism of blood coagulation, studying the molecular organization of acetylcholine receptors, etc.

Snake venoms are used in the production of anti-snake serums.

Most people associate a snake with a deadly bite. Few people know that the poison of these reptiles can be not only harmful, but also beneficial and even healing. Since ancient times, the snake emblem has been a symbol of medicine. For many centuries, people have studied and developed methods of treating snake venom.

This is a slightly yellowish liquid produced by special glands of the reptile located behind its eyes. Its effect is very strong. A minimal amount of the substance is enough to kill a person. But thanks to modern technology, humanity has learned to use certain properties with good intentions.

The composition of the poison (depending on the type of reptile) may vary slightly. In general, it has the following substances:

• proteins;
• peptides;
• lipids;
• free amino acids;
• nucleotides;
• guanine derivatives;
• sugars;
• inorganic salts.

Snake venom has the following effects:

1. painkillers,
2. disinfectant,
3. wound healing,
4. antitumor,
5. anti-inflammatory,
6. restorative,
7. hemostatic,
8. normalizing metabolic processes.

Inappropriate use is fraught with paralysis of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and death. In small doses, toxins will only benefit the body. The effect of snake venom contributes to:

• normalization of metabolism;
• elimination of inflammatory processes, swelling;
• strengthening the immune system.

What diseases can be treated?

Based on the poison, various drugs are prepared for the treatment of a considerable number of diseases. The remedies are effective. It is very important to strictly follow the dosage.

The drugs are used to treat:

• migraine,
• allergies,
• diabetes mellitus,
• multiple sclerosis,
• neurodermatitis,
• gastrointestinal pathologies,
• Alzheimer's disease,
• asthma,
• hypertension.

Today, the venom of three snakes is used to prepare medicines: the viper, the cobra and the viper.

Drugs to relieve joint pain

1. Take a few lemons, peel them, and grind them using a meat grinder. Add a few crushed cloves of garlic and a water solution of poison - a few drops - to the lemon mixture. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and add 200 ml of cooled boiled water. Leave the product overnight in a cool place. Take ten grams of the drug every day, on an empty stomach.
2. Pour half a cup of rice (unpolished) with freshly boiled water. Add three drops of aqueous solution of snake venom. Let the rice sit overnight. In the morning, drain the remaining water. Grind one apple and carrot with a grater and add to the rice. Eat cooked porridge every day, in the morning, on an empty stomach.
3. Take horseradish rhizome, peel, rinse, chop. Squeeze the juice from the raw material and combine it with a solution of snake venom - two drops. Mix well. Soak a gauze pad in this mixture and apply to the sore spot.
4. Mix flour with honey and a few drops of snake venom solution. Knead the dough. Form a small cake and apply to the sore area. Secure with cotton cloth.

Against back pain

“Snake recipes” for migraine therapy

Application in cosmetology

Masks based on viper venom help:

• improving cell regeneration,
• smoothing out wrinkles,
• lightening of the dermis.

Thanks to the systematic use of snake venom products, the skin will become smooth, bright and healthy.

Masks with a tightening effect:

1. Combine two tablespoons of natural slightly warmed honey with snake venom extract - two drops. Apply the composition to a cleansed face for a quarter of an hour. After the procedure, wash your face and treat your skin with moisturizer.
2. Mix beaten egg white with two drops of poison solution. Treat the dermis of the face with the composition. After twenty minutes, wash your face in warm water.
3. Dilute gelatin in an amount of 30 grams in boiled water. Warm the mixture in a water bath. Combine the mixture with the poison solution and apply to a clean face. After a quarter of an hour, wash your face.

How to achieve a rejuvenating effect?

1. Combine crushed sprouted wheat - 50 grams with natural yogurt - two spoons and three drops of snake venom solution. Apply the mixture to your face for twenty minutes. After the procedure, wash your face.
2. Take three aloe leaves, rinse and put in the refrigerator for three days. On the day of using the mask, take out the leaves, chop and squeeze the juice out of them and mix with olive oil - in equal proportions and three drops of snake venom. Apply the composition to a clean face for a quarter of an hour.

Creams and ointments with snake venom

A considerable number of effective ointments and creams have been developed based on snake venom. They can only be used with the knowledge of the attending physician.

Contraindications

The use of folk remedies and medications based on snake venom is contraindicated for:

• pregnancy,
• breastfeeding,
• pathologies of the cardiovascular system,
• chronic liver and kidney diseases,
• individual intolerance.

Try not to exceed the dosages indicated in the recipes, and especially not to abuse products based on snake venom. Itching, burning, nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature - all these symptoms indicate poisoning. In this case, stop taking, rinse your stomach and seek medical help.

SNAKE POISON- a specific poisonous secretion of special parotid glands of some species of snakes. The glands secreting poison are connected by ducts to the canals of two poisonous teeth of the upper jaw, from where the poison, when bitten by a snake, enters the body of the victim and causes poisoning (see Snakes).

Composition and properties

3. i. - viscous, colorless or yellowish liquid, odorless, with a bitter taste. Its reaction is slightly acidic, beat. weight 1.030-1.090. In liquid form, it is not stable, rots easily, and within 10-20 days it loses its toxicity and many enzymatic properties. Well-dried venom (desiccator, freeze-drying or vacuum drying) loses more than 3/4 of its original weight and turns into a whitish-yellow crystal-like powder that retains the basic properties of the venom for many years. Dry 3. i. dissolves in water, chloroform, saline solutions.

The main component of 3. I are proteins and peptides, which account for approx. 80% of its dry weight. They are carriers of the main toxic and enzymatic properties of the poison. In addition, in 3. i. contains free amino acids, nucleotides, guanine derivatives, mucin, sugars, lipids, pigments, inorganic salts, as well as impurities from the snake’s oral cavity (epithelial cells, bacteria).

Many poisons and their fractions have been studied for their elemental and amino acid composition. It has been established that toxicity and some enzymatic properties 3. i. impart disulfide groups. Glutathione and other reducers of these groups reduce the toxicity of the venoms of cobra, Russell's viper, and rattlesnake by 80-90%, while almost completely eliminating their clotting effect on the blood and the phospholipase activity of the last two venoms.

The biologically active principles of poisons are divided into three groups: 1) highly toxic thermostable polypeptides, or low molecular weight proteins lacking enzymatic properties; 2) large-molecular enzyme proteins that are highly toxic; 3) proteins that have various enzymatic properties, but lack pronounced toxicity. Some of the enzymes of the last group can directly or indirectly potentiate the action of the main toxins 3. i.

Toxins of the first group, mainly related to neurotoxins, are found in the venoms of adders, sea snakes, some tropical rattlesnakes of South America, and in the venom of only one representative of vipers - the Palestine viper. In most adders and sea snakes, these neurotoxins are represented by basic polypeptides with a mol. weighing approx. 6000-7000, consisting of 61 - 62 amino acid residues in one chain with four cross-disulfide bonds, in snakes p. Bungarus - with larger polypeptides (71 - 74 amino acid residues with five disulfide bonds), in the Palestine viper - of 108 amino acid residues with three disulfide bonds. Crotoxin, the most powerful neurotoxin found in the venom of the rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus, is a complex compound of phospholipase A2 and a low molecular weight polypeptide, in combination with which phospholipase A2 acquires high neurotoxicity, losing to a large extent its enzymatic properties.

Polypeptides with cardiotoxic and cytolytic effects were also found in the venoms of some asps (cobras, etc.). Close to them is the low-molecular-weight toxin of tropical rattlers - crotamine. The lethal effect of cobra venom cardiotoxin is 20 times weaker than neurotoxin.

Low-molecular-weight neuro- and cardiotoxins are not detected in the venoms of most vipers and rattlesnakes, including all vipers and cottonmouths of the fauna of the USSR. The active principles of the venoms of these snakes are thermolabile and do not dialyze proteins through semi-permeable membranes with high protease activity, hemorrhagic, necrotizing and blood-clotting effects.

The composition of the venoms of a number of Australian adders and some tropical rattlers is more complex; they contain both non-enzymatic neurotoxins and powerful proteases with hemorrhagic and hemocoagulating effects.

According to the composition of the main toxins and the leading manifestations of intoxication 3. i. can be divided into the following main groups: 1) with a predominance of neuro- and cardiotoxins (venoms of adders, sea snakes and some tropical rattlers); 2) with a predominance of toxic proteases with hemorrhagic, necrotizing and blood-clotting effects (toxins of vipers and most rattlesnakes); 3) poisons of mixed composition, containing both neurotoxins and powerful enzymes of hemorrhagic and blood-clotting action (toxins of a number of Australian adders and tropical rattlesnakes).

3. I. rich in enzymes, many of which are unique in their mechanism and strength of action. It contains proteases (exo- and endopeptidases, etc.), phospholipases, acetylcholinesterases, hyaluronidase, phosphatases (phosphomono- and diesterases, etc.), nucleotidases, oxidases, dehydrogenases, catalases and other enzymes. Related enzymes of different poisons differ in their mechanism of action. Thus, coagulases in some poisons convert fibrinogen into fibrin (thrombin-like effect), in others they activate factor X (thromboplastin-like effect), in others they convert prothrombin into thrombin, etc.

Snake venoms also contain inhibitors of enzyme systems, including inhibitors of tissue respiration (cytochrome oxidase system, succinate dehydrogenase, anaerobic glycolysis enzymes), anticoagulants, etc.

Poisoning statistics

According to incomplete data published by WHO, the annual number of people affected by venomous snake bites around the globe is approx. 500 thousand, of which 30-40 thousand (6-8%) die. More than 4/5 of all cases are recorded in Asia, Africa and South America. In India alone, the number of victims reaches 100 thousand people. in year.

As you move away from the tropics, the frequency and severity of venomous snake bites decreases. In the United States, the annual number of victims of snakebites ranges, according to various authors, from 1.2 to 3.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. However, the south and southwest states in these indicators are close to tropical countries: 10.8-

18.8 per 100,000. In Western Europe and the central zone of the USSR, the frequency of snake bites is lower than in the United States as a whole (no more than 0.7 per 100,000), in South Central Asia and the Caucasus it increases by 2-3 times. After the introduction of modern treatment methods, mortality decreased sharply: in Brazil - from 27 to 8%, in the south of Japan - from 15 to 3%, in the USA - from 3.05 to 0.21%, etc. Bites of the most dangerous subtropical snakes fauna of the USSR (viper, sand epha) in the past gave approx. 8% fatalities, this figure has been reduced to almost zero.

The degree of snake danger (ophidism) in each given area is determined both by the number and species composition of venomous snakes, and by socio-demographic factors (population density, degree of urbanization, features of life, clothing, etc.).

The degree of danger of bites from various poisonous snakes of the fauna of the USSR is characterized by the following data: in Tajikistan, when biting a viper, an extremely severe form of poisoning was observed in 8.1% of cases, severe - in 40.4%, moderate - in 27.4%, mild - in 24 ,1%; In the Altai Territory, an extremely severe form of poisoning was not observed in cases of viper bites, severe - was observed in 6.4% of cases, moderate - in 36.2%, mild - in 57.4%.

Pathogenesis and clinical picture of poisoning

Pathogenesis and features of the wedge, manifestations in case of poisoning 3. i. are determined primarily by the composition of the venom - the predominant content of neurotoxins, neuro-cardiotoxins or hemorrhagic coagulants. At the same time, when bitten by even the most dangerous snakes, the severity of intoxication varies. The dose and concentration of the released poison are of decisive importance. Like the secretions of other glands, 3. i. is released either in a more or less concentrated form, and the amount of poison entering the victim’s body can range from 0.4 to 65% of its total supply.

The severity of intoxication also depends on the age and health of the victim, the location of the bite and the tissue in which the poison entered. Children, especially those under 3 years of age, suffer from poisoning much more severely than adults; bites to the head and torso are more dangerous than bites to the limbs, and if the poison enters a blood vessel directly, it can cause the death of the victim within 5-10 minutes. after a bite. Intramuscular ingestion of viper and rattlesnake venoms is almost twice as dangerous as subcutaneous ingestion, and intramuscular ingestion of asp venom gives the same effect as subcutaneous ingestion.

Injuries from poisons of predominantly neurotoxic action

Neurotoxic effects are caused by the venoms of adders and sea snakes (in the USSR - only the venom of the Central Asian cobra), Neurotoxic - by the venoms of some tropical rattlers.

Venoms of asps and sea snakes block neuromuscular and interneuron synapses, increase and then suppress the excitability of sensory and chemoreceptors, inhibit the cortex, subcortical and stem centers of the c. n. With. Symptoms of the lesion develop quickly, because neuro-toxins 3. i. easily enter the bloodstream from tissues. At the same time, these toxins are quickly eliminated from the body, appearing in large quantities in the urine within 13-20 minutes. after the administration of the poison, and in the next 16 hours. they are almost completely excreted.

Clinically, intoxication is manifested by a variety of sensory disorders, early development of impaired coordination of movements and peripheral paralysis, disorders of consciousness (stupor, coma), and in severe cases, increasing respiratory depression until it stops. Respiratory cessation is caused not only by paralysis of the respiratory muscles (curare-like effect), but also by depression of the respiratory center.

Circulatory disorders are of a phase nature. In the first 15-20 minutes. shock develops, caused by the intense release of histamine from the tissues into the bloodstream, and then the inhibitory effect of the poison on the vasomotor center. After 1-2 hours, blood pressure normalizes or even increases above the initial level. After 6-12 hours. The cardiotoxic effect of the poison may manifest itself: arrhythmia, atrioventricular block occurs, the systolic and cardiac outputs progressively decrease, cardiogenic shock develops, and sometimes pulmonary edema. In severe poisoning, the neurotoxic effect outstrips the cardiotoxic effect, and death occurs from respiratory paralysis.

The clinic of poisoning by the venom of the Central Asian cobra has been little studied due to the extreme rarity of bites by this snake. Available isolated observations show that it is not qualitatively different from the picture of poisoning by Indian cobra venom. Immediately after a snake bite, victims experience acute pain in the affected area, spreading to the entire affected limb and other parts of the body. After a few minutes, progressive general weakness, adynamia, then a feeling of numbness in the limbs, torso and face, and general stiffness develop. Coordination of movements is impaired, and after 20-30 minutes. the patient loses the ability to move independently and stand on his feet. During the same period, initial signs of collapse appear (see). Then paresis quickly progresses, and in severe cases - complete paralysis of the muscles of the limbs, trunk (see Paralysis, paresis), as well as the face, tongue, larynx and organ of vision, which leads to aphasia (see), aphonia (see), diplopia (see), swallowing disorders. Sensory disturbances are varied: diffuse pain with skin hyperesthesia and paresthesia (see) are combined with a feeling of stiffness, numbness, a sharp weakening of sensitivity and proprioception. Body temperature rises to 38-39°, heart sounds are muffled, extrasystole is possible. The most dangerous sign of poisoning is progressive depression and decreased breathing. The threat of death from respiratory arrest is especially great in the first 2-10 hours. poisoning Then changes in the heart progress: dullness of sounds, decreased voltage of ECG waves, extrasystole, atrioventricular block I-II degree. Late cardiogenic shock and pulmonary edema are possible.

Local changes in the bite area when affected by adders and sea snakes are negligible: two points of puncture of the skin by the snake’s teeth and slight swelling around them are visible. Hyperemia, hemorrhages, hemorrhagic edema, blisters, lymphadenitis and vein thrombosis, inherent in poisoning with the venoms of vipers and rattlesnakes, never occur, which has differential diagnostic significance.

With a favorable course of intoxication, all neurol disorders undergo reverse development after 2-5 days, but muscle weakness, numbness and aching pain in the extremities, and deafness of heart sounds can persist for several weeks.

In case of poisoning with neurotoxic venoms of tropical rattlesnakes, respiratory paralysis does not develop, muscle paresis is combined with convulsive twitching, even convulsions; in the pathogenesis and wedge, the picture of intoxication is dominated by the phenomena of severe shock.

Injuries caused by poisons with predominantly hemorrhagic and blood-clotting effects

These lesions are caused by the poisons of most vipers and rattlesnakes, including the toxins of all vipers and copperheads of the fauna of the USSR.

The pathogenesis of intoxication is dominated by local tissue destruction and an edematous-hemorrhagic reaction to poison, a systemic increase in vascular permeability, general hemorrhagic phenomena, disseminated intravascular coagulation with the subsequent development of hypo- or afibrinogenemia (thrombohemorrhagic syndrome), hypovolemia, shock, acute posthemorrhagic anemia and degenerative changes in parenchymal organs.

Local changes in the area of ​​poison injection are pronounced, rapidly progress and largely determine the degree of general intoxication. Already in the first minutes after a snake bite, which causes slight pain and a burning sensation, hyperemia, multiple hemorrhages and rapidly spreading hemorrhagic edema occur around the injection site of the poison. In severe forms of poisoning, swelling and multiple spotty hemorrhages involve the entire affected limb and often spread far to the torso. The limb becomes purple-bluish in color, blisters with serous-hemorrhagic contents may appear on the skin, lymphangitis, lymphadenitis and thrombosis of the draining veins often occur. This reaction reaches its maximum development after 8-36 hours. after inoculation of poison, when the volume of the affected limb increases sharply and abundant hemorrhagic penetration of all soft tissues is determined. Exudate differs little from whole blood in terms of hematocrit, red blood cell, hemoglobin and protein content. Thus, in the affected part of the body there is a huge loss of blood from the vascular bed, which largely determines the development of hypovolemia, shock, hypoproteinemia and anemia. The wounds at the site of the bite sometimes bleed for a long time; later, ulcerations and necrosis may form here, the appearance of which is facilitated by improper provision of first aid to patients (application of a tourniquet, cauterization of the bite site, etc.).

The general picture of intoxication is dominated by shock phenomena: weakness, dizziness, pallor of the skin, nausea, vomiting, sometimes repeated fainting, low and rapid pulse, decreased blood pressure. In the early stages of intoxication (within the first hour), shock is associated mainly with the entry of histamine and other shockogenic substances into the bloodstream, as well as with disseminated intravascular coagulation (hemocoagulation shock), and later with abundant internal blood and plasma loss and hypovolemia (posthemorrhagic shock ). Blood clotting in the first 30-90 minutes. rises sharply; Fibrin deposition in the capillaries and multiple microthrombosis are noted. Then comes a long phase of hypocoagulation with severe hypofibrinogenemia and bleeding (nasal, gastrointestinal bleeding, hematuria, hemorrhages in organs, meninges, serous membranes, etc.). Thrombohemorrhagic syndrome lasts 1 - 3 days and is accompanied by signs of acute posthemorrhagic anemia (see).

In milder forms, general toxic symptoms are mild, and a local edematous-hemorrhagic reaction to the poison predominates. Damage to the body by hemorrhagic poisons is often complicated by the formation of necrotic ulcers in the bite area and gangrene of the affected limb, which delays recovery and can lead to disability for some victims. In uncomplicated cases, recovery occurs 4-8 days after the snake bite.

Treatment and prevention of poisoning

When providing first aid to victims, tying the affected limb with a tourniquet, cauterizing the bite site with gunpowder, acids, alkalis, boiling oil, etc., local injections of strong oxidizing agents (potassium permanganate, etc.) are strictly contraindicated. All these methods not only do not weaken or delay the effects of the poison, but, on the contrary, significantly enhance both general and local manifestations of intoxication and contribute to the occurrence of a number of serious complications (necrotic ulcers, gangrene, etc.).

First aid should begin with immediate vigorous suction of the contents of the wounds, which makes it possible to remove, as experimentally and clinically proven, from 28 to 46% of all poison introduced into the body. If the wounds are dry, they are first “opened” by pressing on a fold of skin. Suction can be done by mouth (3. I. if it gets on intact mucous membranes does not cause intoxication) or using a rubber bulb, breast pump, etc. It should be continued for 15-20 minutes. (in the first 6 minutes, about 3/4 of the total extracted poison is removed), after which the wounds are treated with brilliant green, iodine or alcohol. When providing first aid, the affected limb is immobilized and the victim is provided with complete rest in a horizontal position, which reduces the outflow of lymph containing poison from the affected part of the body.

Drinking plenty of fluids (tea, coffee, broth) is beneficial. Drinking alcohol in any form is contraindicated. Among the medications prescribed are antihistamines, sedatives and drugs that affect vascular tone.

It is important to quickly transport patients to the nearest hospital. an institution where the earliest therapy with immune mono- and polyvalent antidote serums (PS) is possible - antigyurza, antiefa, anticobra, etc. Treatment is carried out according to the general rules of serotherapy (see). In severe forms of poisoning, the dose of PS ranges from 80 to 130 ml or more, in moderate poisoning - 50-80 ml (M. N. Sultanov, 1963, etc.).

PS is administered intramuscularly, and only in cases of extremely severe poisoning and late delivery of patients for life-saving reasons is it permissible to administer one dose intravenously. Homologous PS are used, however, due to the similarity of the antigenic structure of venoms of snakes belonging to the same genus, cross-use of PS is also permissible. Thus, anti-viper serum can also be used for bites of other vipers of our fauna (except for those affected by the poison of the sand epha, which belongs to another genus of the viper family). Treatment of PS can be complicated by allergic reactions - urticaria, Quincke's edema, serum encephalitis, severe anaphylactic shock (according to Campbell, 3% of cases), etc. Therefore, serotherapy, as a rule, should not be used for bites of common and steppe vipers, copperheads and other low-risk snakes , in which a quick cure can be achieved by pathogenetic and symptomatic means. Even with viper bites, injection of PS is not resorted to in all cases. Concentrated PS purified from ballast proteins are more effective and somewhat less dangerous than native ones. To prevent and reduce the complications of serotherapy, it is recommended to administer intravenous glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone, prednisolone, etc.), antihistamines and blood transfusions to victims simultaneously with PS.

Pathogenetic therapy depends on the type of poison that has entered the body. In case of damage by poisons of hemorrhagic-coagulative action, massive jet and then drip transfusions of blood and plasma, as well as blood substitutes, are most effective and quickly improve the condition of patients. In case of severe poisoning, 800-1500 ml of hemotherapy is administered on the first day, and 200-600 ml in subsequent days. For milder poisonings and when treating children, the dose is reduced by 2-4 times. Otherwise, treatment is carried out according to the general rules for the treatment of posthemorrhagic shock (see). Symptomatic therapy includes the prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs, tetracycline antibiotics, antihistamines, and antianemic drugs.

Pathogenetic therapy for poisoning with neurotoxic venoms of asps (cobras) and other snakes consists of using, along with PS, anti-shock drugs and, in the event of respiratory paralysis, artificial respiration devices. The last method is very important, because Pharmakol and respiratory stimulants do not prevent or relieve respiratory paralysis caused by cobra venom.

For snake bites of all types, prophylactic administration of anti-tetanus serum is necessary.

Individual prevention of poisonous snake bites is ensured by protecting the limbs with high leather shoes and thick clothing, and a thorough inspection of parking areas or overnight accommodations. Usually snakes are not aggressive and bite only in self-defense, so people who are bitten are mainly those trying to catch or kill a snake, often children and adolescents. In this regard, education about the dangers of chasing snakes is necessary; Non-specialists, especially teenagers, should not be involved in catching poisonous snakes. Children's institutions (pioneer camps, etc.) should not be located in areas where snakes accumulate. Herpetologists can carry out the relocation of snakes from such places to nature reserves or snake nurseries.

Use of snake venom in medicine

3. I. used in medicine:

1) for the preparation of toxoids and immunization of animals in order to obtain antidote serums;

2) as an independent treatment. drugs;

3) as reagents for laboratory diagnosis of certain diseases;

4) for experimental modeling of a number of pathols, syndromes (neurotoxic, hemorrhagic, disseminated blood coagulation and afibrinogenemia, etc.).

Apply 3. i. how to treat the remedy began in the 16th century; Paracelsus promoted it as a therapeutic agent. Wide practical application 3. i. began in the 20th century.

Rattlesnake venom has been used to treat epilepsy (with problematic effects). Cobra venom and its neurotoxic fraction have a pronounced analgesic, antispastic and anticonvulsant effect; The cytolysins contained in it have a resolving effect on granulations and on the cells of some tumors. Attenuated cobra venom neurotoxin has been shown to reduce the effects of the polio virus and likely other neuroviruses.

A number of preparations from viper venoms that have a thromboplastic effect are used as a local hemostatic agent. For the prevention and treatment of thrombosis, the defibrinating component of the venom of the Malayan copperhead, Arvin or Ancrod, is used. This is a glycoprotein that cleaves peptides A (but not B) from fibrinogen and causes incomplete polymerization of fibrin monomers without simultaneous activation of the fibrin-stabilizing factor. These loose fibrin monomer complexes quickly undergo fibrinolysis with the formation of a large number of protein fragments that have a pronounced anticoagulant effect. After a single intravenous injection of ancrod, a sharp hypo-coagulation occurs, which persists for approx. 24 hours, blood viscosity decreases.

The possibility to lay down remains unexplored. the use of anticoagulants contained in the venoms of adders and some other snakes.

Snake venoms are widely used in laboratory diagnostic practice, chap. arr. to recognize various bleeding disorders. Thus, tests with the venom of Russell's viper (steepven) or viper (lebetox) are used for the differential diagnosis of deficiency of factors VII and X (the poisons contain an analogue of factor VII), as well as for the quantitative determination of factor X and platelet factor 3. Prothrombin is determined using the venom of the Australian taipan snake or sand ephas. Reptilase (a drug from the venom of Brazilian rattlesnakes) is used to monitor blood clotting and the content of fibrinogen in it against the background of heparinization (its effect, unlike thrombin, is not blocked by heparin), and together with the thrombin test - to differentiate various antithrombins, etc. d.

3. I. serves as a source for obtaining a number of enzymes used to study the structure and function of biol systems, to obtain biologically active substances (bradykinin, etc.) and other purposes.

Snake venom preparations

Vipraxin (Vipraxinum) - an aqueous solution of dry venom of the common viper. Prescribed as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent for neuralgia, myalgia, polyarthritis, myositis. Also used for the treatment of gynecol, inflammatory diseases along with antibiotics.

The mechanism of action of vipraxin, as well as other drugs 3. I., has not been studied. It is assumed that along with the specific action of the main components of the poison, lec. the effect is associated with reflex reactions (irritation of receptors), with the absorption of biogenic amines formed in tissues during the local action of the poison, with an influence on the body’s immune reactions, as well as with stimulation of the pituitary-adrenal system.

The drug is administered intradermally, subcutaneously or intramuscularly to the area of ​​greatest pain. Treatment begins with an injection of 0.2 ml. Usually, swelling appears at the injection site and significant pain is felt; Chills, increased body temperature, headache, nausea, and vomiting are also possible. After 3-4 days, when the general and local reaction disappears, re-administer the same dose (if the local reaction was severe) or increase it to 0.3 ml. In the absence of side effects, the course of treatment is prescribed 10 injections with an interval of 3-4 days at the same dose, and if the drug is well tolerated, the dose can be increased to 0.4 ml and the interval between injections reduced to 1 day. The maximum single dose is 1 ml. No more than 0.4 ml should be injected into one place; with a larger single dose, the drug is administered into 2-3 places. To prevent the drug from losing its activity, use a refrigerated syringe free of alcohol.

Vipraxin is usually well tolerated, however, as with other drugs 3. I., an individually increased reaction is possible.

Vipraxin is contraindicated in active tuberculosis, insufficiency of coronary and cerebral circulation, lesions of parenchymal organs and in febrile conditions.

Release form: ampoules of 1 ml. Store in sealed ampoules in a cool, dark place; list A.

Viperalgin (Viperalgin) - Lyophilized sterile sand viper venom containing the neurotoxin, hyaluronidase. In terms of action, indications and contraindications, it is close to vipraxin. Administer intradermally, subcutaneously or intramuscularly, starting with a dose of 0.1 ml, with a gradual increase in it (by 0.1 ml each time) until a noticeable local reaction appears. Several injections are given with an interval of at least 1 day. Towards the end of treatment, the dose of the drug is gradually reduced.

Release form - ampoules containing 0.1 mg of dry poison, ampoules with a solvent (1 ml of isotonic sodium chloride solution), the drug is dissolved immediately before use. Stored as a drug of list A. Produced in Czechoslovakia.

Viprosal (Viprosalum) - an ointment containing viper venom (16 mouse units per 100 g of ointment), with the addition of camphor, salicylic acid, fir oil, petroleum jelly, glycerin, paraffin, emulsifier and water. A creamy mass of white or slightly yellow color, with the smell of camphor and fir oil.

Used externally for neuralgia, lumbago, myositis, arthralgia as an anesthetic. Apply 5-10 g to painful areas 1-2 times a day and rub until dry. When used, local allergic reactions are possible, disappearing after discontinuation of the drug.

Release form: tubes of 20, 30, 40 and 50 g. Store in a cool, dry place.

Viprosal may contain, instead of viper venom, an amount of viper venom corresponding in activity.

Vipratox (Vipratox) - liniment containing venoms of various snakes (0.0001 g), methyl salicylate (6 g), camphor (3 g) and a base for liniment (up to 100 g). Apply externally.

Indications and method of use are the same as for viprosal. Release form - tubes of 45 g. Produced in the GDR.

Bibliography: Barkagan Z. S. and Perfilyev P. P. Venomous snakes and their poisons, Barnaul, 1967, bibliogr.; B e r d y e-v and A. T. On the pathogenesis of intoxication with venoms of the Central Asian viper and cobra snakes, Ashgabat, 1972, bibliogr.; aka, Snake venoms, their toxic effects and measures to provide assistance for snake bites, Ashgabat, 1974, bibliogr.; Valtseva I. A. Pathophysiological features of the action of venoms of snakes living on the territory of the USSR, and some issues of experimental therapy, M., 1969; Mashkovsky M.D. Medicines, part 2, p. 108, M., 1977; S a x i b o v D. N., Sorokin V. M. and Yukelson L. Ya. Chemistry and biochemistry of snake venoms, Tashkent, 1972, bibliogr.; Poisonous animals of Central Asia and their poisons, ed. G. S. Sultanova, Tashkent, 1970; Venomous animals and their venoms, ed. by W. Bicherl a. E. F. Buckley, N. Y.-L., 1971.

3. S. Barkagan; V. A. Babichev (pharm.).

Snake venom - this phrase does not evoke the most pleasant associations in humans. It is clear why, because such a waste product of snakes most often leads to a deterioration in health. But this is only in natural conditions, if a snake has bitten a person. Fashionistas and people who care about their health know that snake venom is used in many areas of life. Cosmetology and medicine have long adopted this natural component to create drugs that help people.

What properties does this substance have? When does poison help us? And in what cases should you beware of it? Let's look at some options for using snake venom.

Composition of snake venom and its types

Snake venom is a product of the activity of specific poisonous glands (modified salivary glands), which are located behind the eyes of the snake. Such a toxic substance enters the victim’s body through poisonous teeth. Few people wonder why this potent toxic substance, even in minute quantities, has such a pronounced effect on the body. Snake venom primarily affects vital organs and has no artificial analogues.

More than 58 species of snakes are found in Russia and Belarus, of which 11 are poisonous. The composition of snake venom depends on the type of reptile. Its main active ingredients are complex proteins and polypeptides (molecules containing more than 10 different amino acids), enzymes and trace elements.

Based on their effect on the human body, the following types of snake venom are distinguished.

The composition of poisons depends on the presence and production of certain proteins and amino acids in the snake’s body.

This specific effect of the secretion of snake glands on the body formed the basis for the creation of many medicinal substances and cosmetic products. In small quantities and in skillful hands, toxic substances can be beneficial to humans.

How is snake venom used in medicine?

In its pure form, the secretion of snake glands is not used in medical practice. Most often, a diluted solution is used with the addition of glycerin, preservatives, stabilizers and other necessary components. The benefits of snake venom are due to its properties. First of all, it has an effect on the nervous system and the ability to cause a local skin reaction. The substance is used in the form of an injection solution, creams, and ointments. How can such funds help?

The medicinal properties of snake venom have the following characteristics.

Any product that contains snake venom should only be prescribed by a specialist due to possible side effects. Do not use such a cream or ointment without consulting your doctor and without prior examination.

What is snake venom treatment called? Venom therapy or “snake therapy” has been used for a long time. Our ancestors believed that snakes could resurrect the dead and help with infertility. Their secret improves the immune system of our body, saves us from tuberculosis, promotes hair growth in cases of complete baldness and relieves attacks of bronchial asthma. And, although many myths are long gone, scientists are still studying the mechanisms of the influence of such substances on human organ systems.

The use of snake venom in cosmetology

Those who want to stay forever young are constantly experimenting with unusual means of saving youth. The secret of the special glands of reptiles has found its place of application in this area.
Snake venom is used in cosmetology to smooth out wrinkles - it replaces Botox. That is, such a product is not analog, but in terms of the final effect they are similar. The poison at the site of application helps smooth out facial wrinkles. These age-related changes in some cases are reduced by 40–50% with long-term use of creams with a “poisonous” component.

Creams and cosmetics are also used:

• in massage parlors for skin;
• in the East, tinctures with snake venom are used as a medicine to increase potency;
• it is added to shampoos to improve hair growth.

How does snake venom affect the human body?

What happens in the human body after a snake bite? The clinical picture depends on the type of reptile, location of the bite and other factors.