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Semin Neurol 2004; 24(2): 175-179
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-830904
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Snake Venoms and the Neuromuscular Junction

Robert L. Lewis1 , Ludwig Gutmann1
  • 1Department of Neurology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 July 2004 (online)

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There are ∼420 venomous species of snakes living on the earth. Their venoms, each unique, can affect multiple organ systems. The venoms have a predilection for the peripheral nervous system where the neuromuscular junction is a favorite target. Those venoms affecting the release of acetylcholine from the presynaptic membrane are called β-neurotoxins and those affecting the postsynaptic membrane are called α-neurotoxins. α-Bungarotoxin has been used in quantitative studies of acetylcholine receptor density and turnover and for the assay of antibodies directed against the acetylcholine receptor. A unique feature of timber rattlesnake venom is its ability to cause clinical myokymia. This likely results from a blockade of voltage gated K+ antibodies.

KEYWORDS

Snake neurotoxins - neuromuscular junction - myokymia

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Robert L LewisM.D. 

Department of Neurology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University

One Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505