Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone know of any papers, books, articles, etc... that talk about the experiential aspect of envenomation by the Black Neck spitting Cobra and/or other elapids. The reason I'm asking is that Bill Haast made an interesting comment about a Krait envenomation he experienced and the perception altering effects. My (as of yet totally unresearched) theory is that some of the snake veneration in ancient Egypt and other cultures was due to either accidental or purposeful exposure to venom and the possible perception altering effects it may have had. I'd rather not spend hours researching a dead end so I figured someone here may either be able to squash my notion or set me on the right path for research.

Thanks,
Ron
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Ron

"What we do is but a shadow of what we want to do..." Peter Weiss

Increase in dopaminergic tone in the brain is thought to produce hallucinations in susceptible individuals. You might look into dopamine and its actions / modes of action in the brain then see if any venom components might "push the same buttons", so to speak.

Interesting question!

Cheers,
WK