Biotoxicology of sea snake venoms.

Sea snakes are the most abundant venomous reptiles, found throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Divided into two subfamilies, Laticaudinae and Hydrophiinae, all sea snakes are poisonous. Venoms are highly toxic, as indicated by low LD50 values in test animals. Toxic compounds include presynaptic and postsynaptic neurotoxins. Similarities in phylogeny are reflected in immunodiffusion patterns, immunoelectrophoresis, cross-neutralization by antivenin against heterologous venoms, and amino acid composition. The clinical syndrome following a bite is largely neurotoxic and myotoxic, with rare hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Proper emergency field therapy and timely administration of antivenin can be lifesaving. Hemodialysis may be useful when antivenin is not available.