Reptiles

By:
Ana Rebecca Joy T. Lucero
Rochelle Gavino
Angeline Lacson

Objectives
To be able to know the toxins present
in reptile venoms and their
corresponding effects.
To be able to understand how
envenomation occurs in different
reptile species.
To know what safety measures &
treatment must be done when
envenomation happens.

Introduction/Definition

Reptiles

cold-bloodedegg-layingvertebrates that has

anoutercoveringofhorny scalesorplates
Includes snakes,lizards,crocodiles,andturtles
Snakes - any limbless scaled reptiles with a long tapering
body and with salivary glands often modified to produce
venom which is injected through grooved or tubular fangs
Lizards are reptiles that typically has a long body and tail,
four legs, movable eyelids, and a rough, scaly, or spiny skin.
Crocodiles - large carnivorous thick-skinned long-bodied
semi-aquatic reptiles
Turtles - a slow-moving reptile, enclosed in a scaly or leathery
domed shell into which it can retract its head and thick legs.

Introduction/Definition
Venom
- a poisonous substance secreted by
animals
Envenomation
the process by whichvenomis injected into
some animal by the bite (or sting) of a
venomous animal

Lizards

Lizards
Family: Helodermatidae
Genus : Heloderma
Beaded Lizard (H. horridum)
Gila monster (H. suspectum)
Are the only lizards known to have evolved an overt
venom delivery system
Helodermameans "studded skin"
(Ancient Greek: hlosthe head of a nail or stud
anddrma meaning skin.)
Horrdum, is theLatinword meaning rough or rude

Beaded Lizard

Gila Monster

Type of Poison
(1.) Neurotoxin
a substance which inhibits the functions of neurons
Action: damage neurons so that they cannot function.
attack the signaling capability of neurons
blocks the release of various chemicals
interfering with the methods of reception/transmissions/sending of false signals

Effect : Neuromuscular paralysis

dizziness
drooping eyelid (ptosis)
paralysis of one or
moreextraocular muscles (opthalmoplegia)
flaccid facial
muscle paralysis
inability to swallow
paralysis of
larger muscle groups
paralysis of respiratory muscle
asphyxiation
coma
death

Type of Poison
(2.) Hemotoxin
are toxins that destroy red blood cells ,disrupt blood clotting,
and/or cause organ degeneration and generalized tissue
damage
Effect : swelling
necrosis (tissues/organs)
cardiovascular damage
loss of blood pressure
death

Type of Poison
Constituents of Lizard Venom
Hyaluronidase
spreading factor
Hydrolase enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid
Result: increase tissue permeability
facilitates venom diffusion into tissue
Hyaluronic acid mucopolysaccharide that is an
important component of connective tissue

Type of Poison

Serotonin
Neurotransmitter
Mediates inflammation, vasodilation ,smooth muscle
activity and cause platelet aggregation
produc
relays
Neuronsproduce
Serotonin
signal
e
smooth muscle activity

Type of Poison
Monoamine Oxidase
Break-down excess neurotransmitter (e.g. serotonin)
Normal:
Abnormal:
neurotransmitter
neurotransmitter
synaptic gap
Normal levels of MAO enzymes
activity
excess neurotransmitter
flushed out /deactivated

synaptic gap
levels of MAO =

levels of neurotransmitter
flushed out / deactivated

Type of Poison
Phospholipase A2
- disrupts the release of neurotransmitter in nerve synapses
blocks
acetylcholine release
parasympatholytic effect
Increase heart rate
Mydriasis/cycloplegia/decreased lacrimation
Reduce secretion
relaxation
- indirect degranulating effect on mast cells
histamine
inflammation
increase
permeability
of capillaries

Type of Poison

Gila Toxin
-

lethal factor
3-5% of venom volume
action : release bradykinin from kininogen
effects :
bradykinin
inflammation
vasodilation
fall of blood pressure
bronchoconstriction
dry cough
natriuresis
fall of blood pressure
contraction of uterus smooth muscle

Type of Poison

Helotherime
- hypothermic toxin
- Action: inhibits Ca+ influx from sarcoplasmic
reticulum
- Result : muscle relaxation
- Effect : lethargy , partial paralysis of rear limbs,
intestinal
distention, lowering of
body temperature

Type of Poison
Helodermatine
- hypotensive enzyme
- kinin-like activity
induce vasodilation and contraction of smooth muscle
- effects: dose-dependent decrease of the arterial blood pressure.

Mechanism of Poisoning

Venom Glands
venoms through
(Venom storage)
teeths
(Lower Jaw)

capillary action

release of
the ducts in large

(Lower Jaw)

Gilas/beaded lizards latch onto their victims & chew to allow

neurotoxins to move through grooves in their teeth and into the
open wound

Mechanism of Poisoning
Venom
Open wound
release

LOCAL
Hyaluronidase

EFFECTS
Phospholipase A2

Other Proteolytic

enzymes
increased tissue permeability
inhibits cellular respiration
local tissue damage
deeper penetration
cell membrane destruction
spread of other venom
Tissue necrosis
inhibits platelet aggregation
components
inflammatory response (release of histamine)

SYSTEMIC
Gila Toxin
Helotherime
Pain, hypotension

EFFECTS
Helodermatine
hypothermia, lethargy,

hypotension

Clinical Manifestations

Pain
Edema ( caused by Histamine & Bradykinin)
Hypotension
Nausea
Vomiting
Weakness/ muscle paralysis
Diaphoresis (excessive sweating)-caused by
serotonin

Target Organ
Neurotoxins
Nervous System (neurons,neurotransmitters)
Muscles (skeletal,smooth)

Hemotoxins
- Circulatory system
- Blood vessels,blood,tissues

Type of Exposure

Accidental Dermal Bite

Antidote/Treatment
No antivenin is commercially available.
Treatment is supportive.
First Aid :

Disengage the lizard that is still attached to the victim

Irrigate the bite site w/ 2% Lidocaine

Probed the wound w/ 25-gauge needle to detect any embedded tooth

Diazepam useful in sedating agitated or painful patient

Analgesic

Broad Spectrum antibiotic

*co-amoxiclav / doxycycline
*prevents infection of wound

Assessment & Monitoring

- development of hypotension/shock

Antidote/Treatment

Suction or compression may impede venom

movement, they are unproved.
Cryotherapy, tourniquet, and excision are dangerous
and should not be used.