What is Hemotoxin
Hemotoxin, hemotoxin, or hematotoxin, is a toxin that destroys red blood cells, hindering Blood clotting and/or degeneration of organs and general tissue destruction. The term hemotoxin is a misnomer because the toxin that destroys the blood also destroys other tissues. Hemotoxin injuries are often very painful and can cause permanent damage and, in severe cases, death. Loss of the affected limb is possible even with prompt treatment.
Hemotoxins are frequently employed by animal venoms including vipers and pit vipers. Animal toxin contains enzymes and other proteins. Occasionally, hematopoietic or nervous system toxicity, or both. In addition to killing prey, part of the function of hematopoietic for some animals is to aid digestion. The venom breaks down proteins in the bite site, making it easier to digest the victim.
The process by which hemotoxin causes death is much slower than neurotoxins. A snake that is poisonous to its prey may have to follow the victim as it flee. Usually, objects that prey on mammals stop fleeing, not because of their death. But because of the shock caused by the bite of the venom. Symptoms vary depending on the type, size, location of the bite and the amount of venom injected. In humans, symptoms include nausea, confusion, and headache. This may be delayed for several hours.
Hemotoxins are used in diagnostic studies of the blood coagulation system. Lupus anticoagulant is detected by time variations in diluted Russell's snake venom, which is a laboratory test based on, as its name indicates, Russell's venom.
