2025/12/16 by K. H. Damm, Christoph Hartwig, Andreas Vilcinskas +3 · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Earth and Planetary Sciences · Environmental Science · #Venomous Animal Envenomation and Studies #Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology #Turtle Biology and Conservation
paper · pdf · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-32525-6
openalex created_date 2025/12/16 · openalex publication_date 2025/12/16 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/27
In zootoxinology, drugs such as anesthetics and secretion enhancers are used to increase venom yields, but it is unclear whether this affects the venom composition. After injection of ketamine and pilocarpine into two non-front-fanged snakes, mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of both drugs and their metabolites in the venoms. The quantified high concentrations raise concerns about potential interference in bioassays and pharmacological studies, highlighting the need to consider extraction additives in venom research to ensure unbiased results.