Scanning electron microscope (SEM) disclosure of the effects of snake venom on living tissue integrity and cell surfaces.

The tissue destruction produced by the bite of the viper is well known and the venom enzyme[s] that produce it have been thoroughly studied. Not so well examined is the view of the damage available to the electron microscope, especially the scanning electron microscope. Here we have used the SEM to view the effects of viper venom on living tissue in situ.