Snake venom hyaluronidase: a therapeutic target

The diffusion of toxins from the site of a bite into the circulation is essential for successful envenomation. Degradation of hyaluronic acid in the extracellular matrix (ECM) by venom hyaluronidase is a key factor in this diffusion. Hyaluronidase not only increases the potency of other toxins but a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cell biochemistry and function 2006-01, Vol.24 (1), p.7-12
Main Authors: Kemparaju, K., Girish, K. S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Antivenins - pharmacology
Antivenins - therapeutic use
extracellular matrix
Extracellular Matrix - metabolism
hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic Acid - metabolism
hyaluronidase
Hyaluronoglucosaminidase - antagonists & inhibitors
Hyaluronoglucosaminidase - metabolism
Snake Bites - enzymology
Snake Bites - pathology
snake venom
Snake Venoms - enzymology
Snake Venoms - pharmacokinetics
spreading factor
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Summary:The diffusion of toxins from the site of a bite into the circulation is essential for successful envenomation. Degradation of hyaluronic acid in the extracellular matrix (ECM) by venom hyaluronidase is a key factor in this diffusion. Hyaluronidase not only increases the potency of other toxins but also damages the local tissue. In spite of its important role, little attention has been paid to this enzyme. Hyaluronidase exists in various isoforms and generates a wide range of hyaluronic acid degradation products. This suggests that beyond its role as a spreading factor venom hyaluronidase deserves to be explored as a possible therapeutic target for inhibiting the systemic distribution of venom and also for minimizing local tissue destruction at the site of the bite. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ISSN:0263-6484
1099-0844
DOI:10.1002/cbf.1261