Main description:

Initially, because of the inadequate sensitivity of devices and other limitations, only major venom components of the dominant species were studied. However, in last two decades, increased sensitivity of devices and the development of new techniques, such as transcriptomics and proteomics techniques, have permitted us to analyze the structures and functions of rare species and to identify novel minor components. As a result, the number of venom components identified is increasing dramatically and the physiological functions of each component is more deeply understood. The scope of this book provides the readers an updated and comprehensive presentation on snake venoms. The subjects are divided into six sections, starting with the overview of snake venom compositions in Malaysian species, followed by description of enzymes and enzyme inhibitors contained in snake venoms. Also discussed are the effects of snake venom on cellular receptors, ion channels, blood, and lymph, as well as cytotoxic and antimicrobial molecules present in snake venoms. The last section covers the clinical consequences of envenomation and the management of snakebites using antivenins.

Contents:

Toxinology of Snake Venoms: The Malaysian Context. - Cellular Mechanisms of Action of Snake Phospholipase A2 Toxins. - Secreted Phospholipases A2 with -Neurotoxic Activity. - Anticoagulant and Membrane Damaging Properties of Snake Venom Phospholipase A2 Enzymes. - Phospholipase A2 Inhibitors from Snake Blood (sbPLIs). - A Brief Appraisal on Russell's Viper Venom (Daboia russelii russelii) Proteinases. - Endothelial Cell Toxicity of Vascular Apoptosis-Inducing Proteins from Hemorrhagic Snake Venom. - Snake Venom Protease Inhibitors: Enhanced Identification, Expanding Biological Function, and Promising Future. - Snake Venom Toxins Targeted at the Nervous System. - Snake -neurotoxins and the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor. - Structural and Functional Diversity of Snake Sarafotoxins. - Crotamine: Function Diversity and Potential Applications. - Vipericidins, Snake Venom Cathelicidin-Related Peptides, in the Milieu of Reptilian Antimicrobial Polypeptides. - Cytotoxic Effects of Snake Venoms. - Cobra Venom Factor: The Unique Component of Cobra Venom That Activates the Complement System. - Non-Cobra Venom Factor Venom Components Acting on Complement Proteins. - Snake Venom Components Affecting the Coagulation System. - Snake Venom Disintegrins. - Role of Lymphatic System on Snake Venom Absorption. - Antivenom Safety and Tolerance for the Strategy of Snake Envenomation Management.