Black Widows

it binds to pre-synaptic cholinergic receptors - usually not a big deal, give supportive care (ie: pain meds) ... if symptoms are bad: hypertensive crisis, angina, MI, placental abruption (in the pregnant), then you can administer anti-venom which resolves things in about 45 minutes, but carries its own risks of severe anaphylaxis....

shouldn't interfere with anesthesia (should they require it), other than I wouldn't extubate them until they clearly demonstrated improved strength and independend airway protection

Thanks Tenesma, you always pull through.

I'm not following the symptomology well.

If it's binding to pre-synaptic cholinergic receptors, which, if I remember correctly act as a positive feedback mechanism by increasing the release of ACh, then I would expect to see cholinergic symptoms.

If I remember correctly, this is the pre-synaptic mechanism of tensilon. (ie. binding to pre-synaptic Ach receptors and increasing release)

you're on the right path,

once it binds to the nerve terminal it triggers the exocytosis of ACh-containing vesicles. This leads to an initial overstimulation via cholinergic transmission, followed by blockade as the nerve terminals are depleted of their neurotransmitter. this is why it is potentially fatal causing respiratory paralysis

If anyone wants to experiment, I've got tons of them living in my back patio. They are easy to catch! There was actually one living in a corner of our ER kitchen for a while. Someone killed it, which is sad 'cause it kept the ants under control...now only the paramedics eat our doughnuts...but I digress.... :stone

And here, my prize, the Black Widow. Isn't she lovely?.. and so deadly. Her kiss is fifteen times as poisonous as that of the rattlesnake. You see her venom is highly neurotoxic, which is to say that it attacks the central nervous system causing intense pain, profuse sweating, difficulty in breathing, loss of consciousness, violent convulsions and, finally.. death. You know what I think I love the most about her is her inborn need to dominate, possess. In fact, immediately after the consummation of her marriage to the smaller and weaker male of the species she kills and eats him - ha ha, oh, she is delicious.. and I hope he was! Such power and dignity - unhampered by sentiment. If I may put forward a slice of personal philosophy, I feel that man has ruled this world as a stumbling demented child-king long enough! And as his empire crumbles, my precious Black Widow shall rise as his most fitting successor!

That's about the extent of my knowledge of the black widow... but I'm just kind of post-happy tonight... sorry.

And here, my prize, the Black Widow. Isn't she lovely?.. and so deadly. Her kiss is fifteen times as poisonous as that of the rattlesnake. You see her venom is highly neurotoxic, which is to say that it attacks the central nervous system causing intense pain, profuse sweating, difficulty in breathing, loss of consciousness, violent convulsions and, finally.. death. You know what I think I love the most about her is her inborn need to dominate, possess. In fact, immediately after the consummation of her marriage to the smaller and weaker male of the species she kills and eats him - ha ha, oh, she is delicious.. and I hope he was! Such power and dignity - unhampered by sentiment. If I may put forward a slice of personal philosophy, I feel that man has ruled this world as a stumbling demented child-king long enough! And as his empire crumbles, my precious Black Widow shall rise as his most fitting successor!

That's about the extent of my knowledge of the black widow... but I'm just kind of post-happy tonight... sorry.

lol....Alice Cooper, right?

lol....Alice Cooper, right?

Alice Cooper song... Vincent Price says that part though.

Can I sign up my ex for your experiment?