6. The Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake - No More Blood Clots
The dusky pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius barbouri) has a reputation for protecting itself. It lives throughout several South States of North America. It is one of the most abundant venomous snakes in Florida although in some areas, these snakes are struggling to survive. While usually not life threatening, its bite can be painful and result in the loss of a digit. According to the University of Florida it has not killed a single person with its venomous bite. Thats not really surprising considering the dusky pygmy rattlesnake grows to a maximum of about two feet long, much smaller than its more dangerous cousins. However, just because it is small doesn't mean it doesn't hurt - while not fatal, the venom of the snake is hemotoxic, meaning it destroys blood cells and can cause excruciating pain and swelling. However, the venom of the snake contains a molecule that plays an important role in the aggregation of platelets that can lead to the formation of blood clots. When the venom enters the blood stream it decreases platelet aggregation, and thus reducing clotting. Eptifibatide is a drug that was designed to mimic that molecule in the venom of the dusky pygmy rattlesnake. It is used as an anti-clotting agent to prevent cardiovascular problems like acute coronary syndromes, heart attack or angina by stopping platelets from aggregating.
