The Subtle Beast: Snakes, From Myth to MedicineCRC Press, 1 de maig 2003 - 176 pàgines The Subtle Beast: Snakes, from Myth to Medicine introduces you to the complex and absorbing world of these mysterious creatures. Each of the fourteen chapters in this volume can be read independently, but read together they trace a fascinating journey from the macroscopic features of snakes to the molecular description of their venom components. The first three chapters detail how snakes inspired fear and worship, served as sources of medicine, and represented good and evil throughout the ages. The remaining sections describe much of the scientific work that has eroded these supernatural beliefs during the past three centuries. The book examines the origin, features, and classification of snakes, and also offers a precise description of snake venoms and their components. The final chapter discusses how venoms can be applied toward medicinal purposes. Illustrated with a wealth of full color figures, this volume explains technical topics in language that is understandable to an educated lay audience. About the Author André Ménez is the Director of the Department of Protein Engineering at the Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA) in France. He heads the Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and is Professor at the National Institute of Sciences and Nuclear Techniques. His knowledge of the toxins of venomous animals inspires his study of proteins for the development of new antivenins and drugs. He is a recipient of the Redi Award from the International Society of Toxicology. |
Continguts
Men and snakes truths and fallacies | 1 |
Snakes and myths | 9 |
Snakes and early medicine | 13 |
The origin of snakes | 17 |
What are snakes? | 27 |
Classification of snakes | 47 |
Discovery of snake venoms | 61 |
Snake venom potency | 69 |
Nontoxic venom components | 87 |
What are snake toxins? | 93 |
Toxins in action | 117 |
Stopping the action of toxins | 127 |
From toxins to drugs | 133 |
A taste of protein chemistry | 141 |
Bibliography | 149 |
Index | 153 |
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Frases i termes més freqüents
action activity African amino acids animals antibodies antivenin Asclepius Atractaspididae Australian B-cells backbone batroxobin blood body caduceus called cause cells century chain chemical chromatography clot cobra venom colubrids complex compounds Crotalus curare curaremimetic toxins disulphide bonds dose drugs eggs electric enzymes epitope erabutoxin evolution fangs Figure finger functions gene haemorrhage Henophidia Heuclin identified inhibitors injected isolated kill kraits Laticauda located long toxins loop maxillary bone membrane mice million years ago molecular molecules muscle mutations Naja nigricollis nerve neuromuscular neuronal neutralise nicotinic acetylcholine receptor Nigexine paralysis peptide phospholipase A2 platelet poison potassium channels potent present prey protein rattlesnake recognised regions reptiles residues scientists sea snake serine proteases snake bites snake toxins snake venoms solenoglyphous species structure substances target terrestrial elapids three-finger fold three-finger toxin tiger snake tion tissues toxic toxin binds toxin fold treatment various venom components venom glands venomous snakes vertebrates viper venom worms