TY - JOUR
T1 - Quantifying venom production: A study on Micrurus snakes in Mexico
AU - Neri-Castro, Edgar
AU - Zarzosa, Vanessa
AU - Benard-Valle, Melisa
AU - Rodríguez-Solís, Audrey Michelle
AU - Hernández-Orihuela, Lorena
AU - Ortiz- Medina, Javier A.
AU - Alagón, Alejandro
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - Our study quantifies venom production in nine Mexican coral snake species (Micrurus), encompassing 76 specimens and 253 extractions. Noteworthy variations were observed, with M. diastema and M. laticollaris displaying diverse yields, ranging from 0.3 mg to 59 mg. For animals for which we have length data, there is a relationship between size and venom quantity. Twenty-eight percent of the observed variability in venom production can be explained by snake size, suggesting that other factors influence the amount of obtained venom. These findings are pivotal for predicting venom effects and guiding antivenom interventions. Our data offer insights into Micrurus venom yields, laying the groundwork for future research and aiding in medical response strategies. This study advances understanding coral snake venom production, facilitating informed medical responses to coral snake bites.
AB - Our study quantifies venom production in nine Mexican coral snake species (Micrurus), encompassing 76 specimens and 253 extractions. Noteworthy variations were observed, with M. diastema and M. laticollaris displaying diverse yields, ranging from 0.3 mg to 59 mg. For animals for which we have length data, there is a relationship between size and venom quantity. Twenty-eight percent of the observed variability in venom production can be explained by snake size, suggesting that other factors influence the amount of obtained venom. These findings are pivotal for predicting venom effects and guiding antivenom interventions. Our data offer insights into Micrurus venom yields, laying the groundwork for future research and aiding in medical response strategies. This study advances understanding coral snake venom production, facilitating informed medical responses to coral snake bites.
KW - Venom extraction
KW - Yields of Micrurus venoms
KW - Venom milking process
U2 - 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107658
DO - 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107658
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 38395261
SN - 0041-0101
VL - 240
JO - Toxicon
JF - Toxicon
M1 - 107658
ER -