Hypertensive and Hypotensive Snake Venom Components

Problems and Paradoxes of Animal Toxins and the Heart

“…5 Many snake venoms contain the structural and functional equivalents of mammalian natriuretic peptides, which elicit natriuretic, diuretic, and vasorelaxant effects. 6 Snakes, such as the mamba (Dendroaspis), have also evolved toxins that block L-type Ca 21 currents (e.g., calciseptine, FS2 toxins, C10S2C2, and S4C8). 7 The potency of the hypotensive activity induced by mamba toxins has a prolonged effect, which is much higher when compared with nifedipine.…”