RATTLESNAKE CROTOXIN: HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE NEUROMUSCULAR SYSTEM? A LITERATURE REVIEW OF EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES

Abstract

Crotoxin is one of the most interesting and dangerous substances in the animal world. It's found in rattlesnake venom and is responsible for much of the snake's toxicity. At the same time, it's being studied as a potential cancer treatment. This paper is a literature review that gathered experimental studies on how crotoxin acts on the neuromuscular system. The results show that it acts in three phases, causing muscle weakness, spasms, and paralysis, and that natural mechanisms, such as Crotalus Neutralizing Factor (CNF), can mitigate its effects. Furthermore, research points to potential medical applications, including action against tumor cells. We conclude that, despite being highly toxic, crotoxin is scientifically relevant and has potential for therapeutic use, demonstrating that venom can become a medical tool