THE POISONOUS SNAKES OF INDIA. 77 



Analysis of the Action of Oobka Toxins. 



(1) (a) The " neurotoxin " paralysing the respiratory centre is 



the predominant agent in causing death. It is 

 assisted by 1 (d), and slightly by 4 (6). 



(fo) The effects of the " toxin '" that depresses the vaso- 

 motor centre, are neutralised by the combined 

 antagonistic action of 2 and 3. The result is that 

 after breathing has ceased, artificial respiration is 

 capable of prolonging life for many hours. 



(c) This "toxin" operating on several centres in the 



bulb evokes symptoms exactly similar to those seen 

 in bulbar palsy where lips, tongue, throat and voice 

 are paralysed. 



(d) Assists 1 (a) in the production of asphyxia. 



(e) The toxin " amyotrophin " destroys nerve cells gene- 



rally, but its action is not seen in the human 

 being, death being brought about by the more 

 speedy action of 1 (a). When 1 (a) is insufficient 

 to cause death, the dose of " amyotrophin " is too 

 small to produce death, or even to seriously affect 

 the bitten subject. 



(2) The cardiotonic element by reinforcing the heart muscle 



helps to preserve the blood pressure, and helps to coun- 

 teract the effect of 1 (ft). 



(3) The vaso constrictor by reducing the calibre of the blood 



vessels raises blood pressure, and acts indirectly in rein- 

 forcing the heart. With 2 it completely counteracts the 

 effect of 1 (b). 



^^4) (a) The effect of the antifibrin ferment is seen in the 

 reduction of clotting power in the blood, and this in 

 conjunction with 5 (a) accounts for the hemorrhages that 

 may occur. 



(6) " Hsemolysin " by destroying red blood cells contributes 

 to the asphyxia produced by 1 (a) aided by 1 (d,'). 



