*PHOTOS* Venom uses in biomedical research seminar

[SFgeckos]

The following photos are from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona, CA

The focus audience of the seminar was geared toward inter-professinal health care members, including but not limited to veterinarians, doctors, physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses etc.

Photos: Dr. Tegzes, VMD, Phd, DABVT Professor of Toxicology discussing venom

 

[SFgeckos]

Graduate student discussing differences between venom, poison and toxins

 

[SFgeckos]

Photos: Dr. Crocker, MS Phd Professor of Physiology discussing black widow anatomy/physiology

First three rows were closed off except for coordinators/staff.

 

[SFgeckos]

Finally, Donald Schultz from WILD RECON on Animal Planet gave a handling demonstration and answered various questions on his personal experiences.

Some of us went to grab dinner after the presentation and he signed a coaster for me. haha

 

[robin]

i would have loved to have gone to this. i am very interested in the possible uses of venom in the medical field. i think the possibilities are endless.. excellent photos. how was the seminar?

 

[ILoveGeckos14]

Cool beans!

 

[SFgeckos]

I agree with you Robin, the possibilities are endless! There are several pharmaceutical products currently on the market that contain proteins or compounds extracted/discovered from venomous reptiles. I think in the next decade, there will MANY new discoveries that will be beneficial to humans!

I thought the presentations overall were very good. They ranged from "basics" (for people who had little or no knowledge of venom/venomous animals) to advanced scientific knowledge such as the molecular components of black widow spider venom and how they alter the influx of various ions to inhibit action potentials in insect neuromuscular junctions. I thought there was some VERY interesting presentations! However, I'm probably a bit biased since 1. I enjoy learning about reptiles and other creepy critters and 2. I helped coordinate the seminar which is why I was able to move around and take photos up close

Probably the funniest part of the seminar was when I had to ask two female veterinary students to move back, after they jumped into the first three "closed" rows to get a closer look at Donald handling rattlesnakes!

Jon

 

[robin]

I agree with you Robin, the possibilities are endless! There are several pharmaceutical products currently on the market that contain proteins or compounds extracted/discovered from venomous reptiles. I think in the next decade, there will MANY new discoveries that will be beneficial to humans!

aren't they working on diabetes and heart medications as well as pain medications?

 

[SFgeckos]

Yes, the areas you mentioned are being heavily investigated. The drug Byetta (Exenatide) from Gila Monster saliva was approved by the FDA in 2005 and there's another product on the market from a south american viper but I forget the name. (I know of one drug made from extracts originally from leeches!) There are many more currently under investigation and in clinical trials- all the pharm companies competing to make big bucks helps the human race and increases the awareness and importance of reptiles!

Some other possible applications for venom that were mentioned during the seminar include, but are not limited to: targeting neoplastic (cancer) cells since some venom causes acute necrosis, inhibition of receptors for pain management, and studying the effects of venom on neuromuscular junctions.

 

[robin]

Yes, the areas you mentioned are being heavily investigated. The drug Byetta (Exenatide) from Gila Monster saliva was approved by the FDA in 2005 and there's another product on the market from a south american viper but I forget the name. (I know of one drug made from extracts originally from leeches!) There are many more currently under investigation and in clinical trials- all the pharm companies competing to make big bucks helps the human race and increases the awareness and importance of reptiles!

Some other possible applications for venom that were mentioned during the seminar include, but are not limited to: targeting neoplastic (cancer) cells since some venom causes acute necrosis, inhibition of receptors for pain management, and studying the effects of venom on neuromuscular junctions.

ok i have heard some limited in about venom and caner cells.


this next part is off topic but i am amazed at the evolution of venomous, venom and non venomous animals, for instance the presence of venom glands in some asian ratsnakes yet no delivery system. i wonder if some of these venoms can be explored more.

 

[SFgeckos]

Great point Robin! That is something that was mentioned during the seminar. Researchers have only touched the tip of the iceberg. Each year they are investigating new species, particularly many of the rear ranged colubirds and monitors that were previously thought to be "non venomous". I think with time, there will be some amazing discoveries particularly with molecular components in venom and saliva.

If you're interested, I can recommend a great starter read: Biology of Gila Monsters and Beaded Lizards, by Daniel D. Beck. It's well written with great photos and reasonably priced ($25). Chaper 3 is all about The venom system and envenomation. He also discusses the new peptide discoveries which eventually lead to new pharmaceutical products.

I'm surprised there isn't more discussion? I thought for sure Gregg would be excited, which was the main reason I posted the information/photos!

Jon

 

[robin]

Great point Robin! That is something that was mentioned during the seminar. Researchers have only touched the tip of the iceberg. Each year they are investigating new species, particularly many of the rear ranged colubirds and monitors that were previously thought to be "non venomous". I think with time, there will be some amazing discoveries particularly with molecular components in venom and saliva.

If you're interested, I can recommend a great starter read: Biology of Gila Monsters and Beaded Lizards, by Daniel D. Beck. It's well written with great photos and reasonably priced ($25). Chaper 3 is all about The venom system and envenomation. He also discusses the new peptide discoveries which eventually lead to new pharmaceutical products.

I'm surprised there isn't more discussion? I thought for sure Gregg would be excited, which was the main reason I posted the information/photos!

Jon

you prolly thought i was one of the last people who would know a bit about this. to me this is an amazing subject. i can not wait to see what comes of the venom research and exploration into it in the medical world.

 

[got spots?]

Wo. I heard about some of this such as being used for heat disease. I find it amazing how with some tweaking something that kills can bring more life. Can't wait until researchers find out more.

 

[david6720]

I agree with you Robin, the possibilities are endless! There are several pharmaceutical products currently on the market that contain proteins or compounds extracted/discovered from venomous reptiles. I think in the next decade, there will MANY new discoveries that will be beneficial to humans!

I thought the presentations overall were very good. They ranged from "basics" (for people who had little or no knowledge of venom/venomous animals) to advanced scientific knowledge such as the molecular components of black widow spider venom and how they alter the influx of various ions to inhibit action potentials in insect neuromuscular junctions. I thought there was some VERY interesting presentations! However, I'm probably a bit biased since 1. I enjoy learning about reptiles and other creepy critters and 2. I helped coordinate the seminar which is why I was able to move around and take photos up close

Probably the funniest part of the seminar was when I had to ask two female veterinary students to move back, after they jumped into the first three "closed" rows to get a closer look at Donald handling rattlesnakes!

Jon

-
that's true with the Nature lovers all over the world..
:main_thumbsup:





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