), the kraits (Bungarus spp. In addition, some species inhabit the Pacific and Indian Oceans and are known as sea snakes (formerly classified as a different family called Hydrophiidae). In: de Wolff FA, editor. The preponderance of current evidence suggests that heparin probably increases the risk of hemorrhage in patients afflicted with viperid venom-induced coagulopathy, and its use is therefore contraindicated in these cases (Mahasandana et al., 1980; Schneemann et al., 2004).

The authors opined that the potential efficacy of LMWH in comparison to unfractionated heparin (UFH) was due to their differing activities as “LMWH exerts its anticoagulant effect by inactivating factor Xa, while UFH has effect on factors IIa, Ixa, xIa, XIIa, and XIIIa” (Paul et al., 2007). ecamulin [7], multisquamase [8] and multactivase [9]. They inhibit platelet aggregation by binding with high affinity to the fibrinogen receptor (a.k.a integrin αIIbβ3) via a Lys-Gly-Asp recognition sequence. Therefore, the assertion of Paul et al. Thus, the results of these studies suggest that the protective action of MPE pretreatment involves immunological neutralization of venom phospholipase A2 by antibodies formed as a result of the pretreatment.

Some Elapidae have the ability to spit their venom from holes located at the fangs as a mechanism of defense. (2008) reported proteomic analysis of the pathophysiological process involved in the protective effect of Mucuna pruriens seed pretreatment against Echis carintus venom in mice. (2002) further investigated the immunological mechanism of the protective action of MPE against Echis carinatus venom. However, enzyme independent binding of PLA2 to phospholipids has also been found to prevent formation of the prothrombin complex, as shown in N. nigricollis, H. haemachatus, and N. atra[268]. ), and the lance-head pit vipers (Bothrops spp. Similarly, although LMWH exhibits an approximately 4:1 action in relation to binding to Factor X:thrombin, respectively, it would probably still be ineffective in envenomings from hazard level 1 colubrids that possess similar venom properties. (A) Bothrops asper (terciopelo) (Reproduced from Mosquera et al., 2003); (B) Naja naja (Indian cobra); (C) Daboia russelli (Russel's viper); and (D) Bungarus caeruleus (common Krait). Although HIT is significantly less frequent with LMWH therapy compared to UFH therapy, it still may occur and is a risk (Jang and Hursting, 2005; Shuster et al., 2003). These authors did not weigh the risks/benefits of heparinization versus the possibility of cross-neutralization of R. subminiatus venom by anti-R. tigrinus antivenom, and effectiveness of heparin assumes that (1) venom-induced thrombin is susceptible to heparin, and (2) there is adequate circulating antithrombin III to complex with heparin. Takashi Morita, in Handbook of Proteolytic Enzymes (Third Edition), 2013. Similarly, the course of coagulopathy appeared unaffected by low-dose heparin given to a patient with severe hemorrhagic diathesis from a R. subminiatus envenoming (Zotz et al., 1991). Boquet P. 1967. MPE pretreatment prevented the venom-induced elevation in haptoglobin. N-Glycans obtained from glycoprotein fraction of Mucuna pruriens seed extract and their relative amounts. An additional consideration is the risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

The snout is short and rounded, while the eyes are relatively large and the body is moderately slender and cylindrical.