Tissue levels of substance P associated with experimental snake venom poisoning.

This investigation was suggested by gross similarities between the pathophysiological features of Substance P (SP) administration and snake venom poisoning in mammals. Using standard procedures for the extraction, purification and bioassay of SP, levels of SP were measured both in vivo and in vitro before and after treatment of the preparations with venom. There was a consistent depletion of SP in the tissues studied following snake envenomation. The significance of this finding is discussed in the context of the mechanisms of action of snake venom.