Sterilization of Snake Venom Preparations

introduction.?Snake venom is a secretion from the specialized glands in the mouth of the snake, analogous to the salivary glands of other animals. The venom itself is a complicated Protein and behaves like an enzyme. It is^ a neurotropic poison which is also endowed with digestive functions. Its strong proteolytic Properties are well known. A rat after being swallowed whole by a snake is completely digested in the gastro-intestinal tract, the ejected fsecal matter being only a small ball of hair and nails. Recent investigations on venoms have enabled the identification of a number of active constituents, namely, coagulative, hemolytic and neurotoxic principles. These active principles