Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Effects of Sydney funnel-web spider envenomation in monkeys, and their clinical implications.
- Journal:
- The Medical journal of Australia
- Year:
- 1980
- Authors:
- Duncan, A W et al.
Plain-English summary
Researchers looked at how the venom from male Sydney funnel-web spiders affects monkeys. They found that the venom causes the body to release too much of a certain type of hormone, which can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, fluid in the lungs, high body temperature, and a serious imbalance in body chemistry. They also discovered that the venom can cause increased pressure in the brain, which might explain some of the nervous system problems seen in these cases. To help the monkeys survive after a severe bite, they used strong medications to block signals in the nervous system. Overall, the treatment was effective in saving the monkeys' lives after they were bitten.
Abstract
The effects of the venom of the male Sydney funnel-web spider were studied in closely monitored monkeys, and a number of new features were observed. Excessive catecholamine release was demonstrated and linked to the development of hypertension, arrhythmias, pulmonary oedema, hyperthermia, and metabolic acidosis. Acute intracranial hypertension was found, and may partly explain the central neurological manifestations. It is believed that a neurogenic basis for pulmonary oedema may sometimes exist. Survival after massive envenomation was achieved with the use of aggressive pharmacological denervation of the motor and autonomic nervous systems.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7207321/