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| Phospholipase A2 |
| Phospholipase A2 is responsible for the necrotic effects of bushmaster venom. This powerful enzyme actually breaks down phospholipids, which means trouble for any cell (Tu, 1977). Not only does the cellular membrane get hydrolized, but all membrane bound organelles do as well. This necrosis effects the muscle tissue more than any other, which compounds the problem of paralysis. The tissue death experienced during a bushmaster bite can be irreversible, even with administration of antivenin. |