Received: March 14, 2007.

Accepted: March 22, 2007.

Abstract published online: March 26, 2007.

Full paper published online: May 31, 2007.

SNAKOID INSTEAD OF VENOMOID*

GAWADE S. P. (1)

(1) SVERI’s College of Pharmacy, Gopalpur Ranjani Rd, Pandharpur, MS, India.

Dear Sir,

The term toxoidation is employed for the alterations caused in toxins by photochemical means or chemical exposure. Such alterations can lead to loss of toxicity; however, an altered protein retains its antigenic reactivity. The term venomoid is used for devenomated snakes whose venom glands are either removed or damaged so that the snake remains alive but loses the power to kill its preys. Such snakes are useful as a research tool to study behavioral biology. To my mind, instead of using the term venomoid, the term snakoid would be more pertinent, as there is not a similar term for altered venom. The term venomoid then could be employed to venom undergoing photochemical/chemical treatment so that it is devoid of toxic properties but retains its antigenic reactivity with significant pharmacological properties.

* This letter was not subjected to peer review and reflects the author’s personal opinion.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

SHIVAJI P. GAWADE, SVERI’s College of Pharmacy, Gopalpur Ranjani Rd, P.B. 54, Pandharpur, 413304, Dist. Solapur, MS, India. Phone: 0 21 8622 5893. Fax: 0 21 8622 5082. Email: shivaji.gawade@gmail.com.