Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum) venom extraction at KRZ

[MsDjessa]

I this the cinctum ssp.?

[kyreptilezoo]

@MsDjessa From what I understand subspecies recognition is unwarranted in these lizards.



[yargeht]

now dip some darts in that venom and go stop crime

[motocrosser150]

Is the Gila monster a nerotoxic or hemotoxic venom

[theopat1999]

I know it has been proven that most species of lizard have a venom gland lower jaw and venom that kills its prey not that deadly bacteria theory.But I have a question for you is human saliva much more dangereous then the bacteria found in varanids?

[kyreptilezoo]

@theopat1999 While you are correct that many lizards do have venom glands, it is far from proven that that is how they kill their prey. Human saliva is certainly filled with bacteria, but I don't know if it is worse than Varanid

saliva-- however the teeth of a Varanid can are probably more likely to inflict a more serious wound. Probably you don't want to be bitten by either! :)

[jediskunk67]

there are two species of lizard that are venomous the gila monster and the Mexican beaded lizard.

[kyreptilezoo]

@jediskunk67 Actually according to Bryan Fry most species of lizards produce toxins in glands in the lower jaw, which technically makes them venomous even though they are not dangerous to people.

[mmmmmarcus]

im more afraid of their bite force than their venom. i had one bite me in tucson, and he broke two fingers, and nearly severed my pinkie. as soon as he clamped on, he just shook his head like a damn pitbull. I was trying to get him away from a bike trail,

I know its against the law to even touch one, but its an active trail, and i didnt want some stupid kid smashing him with an atv.

[chimandude]

@mmmmmarcus So what happened...? Did you get an infection or sick from the bite...?

[jimbo8909]

now toxicity wise what type of venom dose this lizard have. i like the looks of this lizard awsome buff buggers

[kyreptilezoo]

Several kallikrein-like enzymes that affect blood pressure, some amino acids and peptides that affect insulin release, amylase release, etc. Also has been shown to improve memory in rodents.The venom contains several novel toxins not present in snakes, and some that are similar or identical to snakes.

[CabbageWill]

You all have come up with a very effective technique for getting quality venom from the lizards with little or no ill results. GREAT WORK!! Will

[kyreptilezoo]

Thanks Will.

[ZooVisitorMM]

This is amazing to watch. It looks like the gila monster is cooperating, too.

Can you give more details about the research the venom is being extracted for?

[kyreptilezoo]

Venom being used on research for cancer, blood pressure and a drug for treating type -2 diabetes.

[ZooVisitorMM]

Thanks for the information!

[Aughal]

How dangerous is the venom from the gila monster? And what's the effects from it?

[kyreptilezoo]

No documented deaths to healthy individuals. Very painful bite that also effects blood pressure.

[MerkleFred]

Byetta, a synthetic drug for diabetes, is in wide use now and is based on a hormone found in their venom. Just wanted to clarify that the drug isn't just being researched anymore. I'm sure you knew that but your answer wasn't completely clear.

You must really get excited with every new drug that comes out due to venom research!

[ladybloodrose]

how much venom is typicaly excreted by these guys per bite? And How bad is the venom compared to most snakes?

[kyreptilezoo]

We get about .1 to .2 grams per animal dry weight. There bite is dangerous but there are no documented deaths of healthy individuals.

[CrotalusKid]

Nice. It's good to see another vid from KRZ!

[Thamnophissirtalis]

Awsome, thanks for doing a new video.

[idn]

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[SAsgarters]

Absolutely fascinating. :)

[Yoko761]

NICE! :O

[ganx0684]

Very cool video, my first time ever seeing a Gila being milked. Thanks a ton for sharing!!