ABSTRACT
Among all types of lizards, Gila monster is the only genus possessing venom. The Gila monster belongs to the order Squamata, the same order to which the poisonous snakes belong. Gila monsters are found only in North America, ranging from southern Mexico to Utah and the southern tip of Nevada in the United States. Toxicity of Gila monster venom, especially in mice, has been studied by many investigators. Toxicity depends on the species of animal used and upon the route of administration. Similar to snake venoms, Gila monster venom also is composed of many proteins including enzymes. Pancreatic secretory factor (PSF) is a venom component isolated from Gila monster venom and is known to stimulate the release of amylase and the production of cyelic-AMP (cAMP) in guinea pig and rat pancreatic acini. Gila monster venom possesses kininlike activity. It stimulated pig ileum, rat descending colon, and rat estronized uterus.
