VenomFiles

What is Venom?

Venom is a biological toxic substance produced by an animal. It is found in a wide range of species, everything from insects to even mammals. Venom is a collection of a diverse array of chemical structures, such as toxins, enzymes, proteins, steroids, and other compounds which are produced in specialized glands associated with fangs, spines, or other piercing structures. The unique mixture of substances in venom serve specific purposes and have a variety of effects on the receiver. For example, venom may be used for killing or immobilizing prey, aiding in the digestion of captured food, or acting as a defense against predators.

Not All Venoms are the Same

Toxins produced by any venomous animal affect particular kinds of cells. They can have different affects on the body. Some types of venoms include cytotoxins, neurotoxins, hemotoxins, necrotoxins, and myotoxins.

Why is Venom Dangerous for People?

Venomous animals use of venom to kill, immobilize, and or for defense. This means their venom can have similar effects on the human body.

What is the Difference Between Venom and Poison?

The terms poison and venom are both indeed toxic compounds that can harm or kill human beings; however, the main difference in terminology is how the toxin is delivered. A poison is classified as entering the body by swallowing, inhaling, or absorption through the skin. Venom is a toxin received through an envenomation, like an injection. Animals can be venomous or poisonous or even both. 

Different Kinds of Venomous Animals

Spiders, Scorpions, and Snakes are perhaps the most notorious venomous animals; however, other animals like centipedes, fish, octopi, jellyfish, snails, and even some mammals, are venomous. 

What is the LD50? 

LD50 or the Median Lethal Dose in toxicology is a measure of the lethal dose of a toxin. The value of LD50 is the dose needed to execute the members of a tested population after a specific time. These figures are often utilized as a universal indicator of a compound’s acute toxicity. Low LD50 means increased toxicity; the lower number indicates that a lower amount of the substance is needed to kill the host.

Usually, the LD50 is determined by examinations on animals like lab mice. The preference of 50 percent lethality as a trademark keeps away the possibility of the vagueness of measuring the extremes and minimizes the amount of assessment needed. Most often, a lethal dosage differs depending on the manner of deliverance; for example, many compounds are less poisonous when absorbed by the mouth than given intravenously.

Venom and Medicine

One major reason why venomous animals are very useful to humans is venom is becoming ever more useful in combating various kinds of diseases. Since these toxins target body cells or have specific functions, scientists are studying how venoms function to create drugs that can target specific body cells. Venom has been used for extremely reliable and powerful pain killers, efficient blood thinners, blood disorders, high blood pressure, heart attacks, treating cancer, treating central nervous system illnesses, to kill parasites, hinder the development of muscular dystrophy, and even more. Venom is proving to be a beneficial medical resource. 

What is Antivenom?

Antivenom is a medication of antibodies. An antibody is “A protein made by plasma cells (a type of white blood cell) in response to an antigen (a substance that causes the body to make a specific immune response). Each antibody can bind to only one specific antigen. The purpose of this binding is to help destroy the antigen. Some antibodies destroy antigens directly. Others make it easier for white blood cells to destroy the antigen.” – Ref. Therefore antivenom is a serum of antibodies that is injected into the body to destroy venom. 

How do you Make Antivenom?

The process is mostly unchanged since the 1800s. Scientists use a vertebrate animal, e.g., a horse or a sheep, and give them small doses of venom from a specific venomous animal. The host animal then begins to produce antibodies to destroy the toxins within its own body. The blood is then harvested without killing or harming the animal and then made into a purified serum that can be used in humans.

Conclusion 

Venom can be lethal, but it is of great value to humanity. Scientists should continue to search for the many ways venom can improve the lives of humanity. In the meantime, these venomous animals will keep playing a vital role in ecosystems around the world. It is time people begin to see venomous animals in a different light, but from a safe distance.

“If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.” ― Noam Chomsky