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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Captive Maintenance and Venom Extraction of Tityus serrulatus (Brazilian Yellow Scorpion) for Antivenom Production

Captive Maintenance and Venom Extraction of Tityus serrulatus (Brazilian Yellow Scorpion) for Antivenom Production

Published on: October 6, 2023

Inflammation induced by snake venoms optimizes envenomation.

Dirk F van Helden^1,2, Neil Spratt^1,2,3, Peter J Dosen¹

¹School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

The Journal of Physiology

|June 9, 2026

Summary

Snake venom triggers inflammation, opening large pores that absorb toxins into the bloodstream. This inflammation-facilitated macromolecular absorption (IFMA) enhances venom spread, making snakebites dangerous and informing first aid.

Keywords:

envenomation inflammation lymphatics snakebite first aid vasculature venoms venules wound healing

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Published on: November 3, 2014

Area of Science:

Vascular biology
Immunology
Toxicology

Background:

Snake envenomation causes inflammation via factors that increase vascular permeability.
This inflammation opens large pores (IAPs) in microvasculature, facilitating plasma exudation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of IAPs in macromolecular absorption during snake envenomation.
To determine the size of IAPs and their capacity for absorbing venom toxins.

Main Methods:

Experimental measurement of IAP radius using dextran studies.
Analysis of factors influencing macromolecular absorption, including concentration gradients and pressure.

Main Results:

IAPs, with a measured radius of 21 nm, facilitate absorption of macromolecules, including snake venom toxins (1-6 nm radius).
Inflammation-facilitated macromolecular absorption (IFMA) operates alongside lymphatic absorption for interstitial molecule clearance.
Circulating venom induces further inflammation, enhancing toxin movement into tissues.

Conclusions:

IFMA is a significant pathway for venom toxin absorption and dissemination.
Understanding IFMA provides mechanistic insight into snakebite dangers and potential first aid improvements.
IFMA may also play a role in clearing cellular breakdown products during wound healing.