Venomous snakes have evolved to have incredibly strong venoms for hunting and protecting themselves. Their venoms work in different ways. Some attack the circulatory system, known as hemotoxic. Others mess with nerve signals, called neurotoxic.
The damage from snake venom, like deadly hemorrhages, shows how skilled these snakes are. They have developed a highly effective weapon in their venom.
The Potent Effects of Snake Venoms
Snakes use their venoms for specific purposes. Some attack the circulatory system (hemotoxic), while others affect nerve transmission (neurotoxic). These venoms are very strong and can cause severe harm, even death.
Hemotoxic Venom: Attacking the Circulatory System
Viper species like rattlesnakes mainly have hemotoxic venoms. These venoms target the circulatory system. Inside, they have snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs). These can make blood vessels break and cause uncontrolled bleeding.
SVMPs also stop the blood from clotting properly by affecting clotting factors. This leads to severe consequences for anyone bitten.
Neurotoxic Venom: Disrupting Nerve Transmission
On the flip side, some snake venoms are more neurotoxic. They mess with nerve transmission. These venoms have components that block the release of acetylcholine. This is vital for muscle movement.
Without proper muscle function, victims can face paralysis and serious breathing problems. In short, these venoms can be deadly.
Comment le venin de serpent provoque-t-il des hémorragies mortelles ?
Les serpents utilisent un venin spécial qui contient des snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs). Ces SVMPs détruisent la membrane des vaisseaux sanguins. Cela provoque des fuites et des hémorragies très dangereuses.
Snake Venom Metalloproteinases (SVMPs)
Les SVMPs sont des enzymes qui viennent du venin de certains serpents comme les serpents à sonnettes. Ils blessent les vaisseaux sanguins et chamboulent la coagulation du sang en activant/désactivant des facteurs de coagulation.
Vascular Damage and Coagulation Disruption
Les SVMPs causent à la fois des blessures dans les vaisseaux sanguins et des problèmes dans la coagulation. Ceci entraine des hémorragies mortelles suite à une dommage vasculaire et de perturbation de la coagulation, menant à des saignements qui peuvent être mortels.
Conclusion
Snake venoms are incredibly potent for good reasons. Some target the circulatory system, causing fatal bleeding. Others aim at nerve transmission instead.
The critical part causing bleeding is the SVMP proteins, breaking down blood vessel barriers.
Studying snake venom reveals its complexity. Comprehension leads to better antivenom. This improves our response to snakebite emergencies.
Such research also aids the progress in medicine and wildlife protection. Understanding venomous snakes helps us safeguard ecosystems and human lives.