Why does curare require animals to survive?

Introduction: What is Curare?

Curare, also known as tubocurarine, is a natural alkaloid that is found in various plants, such as Chondodendron tomentosum and Strychnos toxifera. It is commonly known for its ability to cause paralysis by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles. This effect makes it a useful tool in medicine for muscle relaxation during surgery, as well as in research for studying muscle function and nerve conduction.

The Origin of Curare

Curare has been used for hundreds of years by indigenous tribes in South America for hunting and warfare. The Waiwai tribe of Guyana is credited with its discovery, and it was later adopted by other tribes in the region. The process for making curare involves boiling the bark and roots of certain plants, such as Chondodendron tomentosum, and then reducing the liquid to a paste, which is then applied to arrows or darts for hunting or weapons for warfare.

How Does Curare Work?

Curare works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is released by nerves to stimulate muscle contraction. It does this by binding to and blocking the receptors on muscle cells that acetylcholine would normally bind to, thereby preventing muscle contraction. This results in paralysis, starting with the small muscles and progressing to the larger ones, including those involved in breathing.

Historical Use of Curare

Curare was introduced to the Western world in the 18th century by a Scottish physician named William Withering, who had heard of its use by indigenous tribes in South America. It was initially used as a poison for hunting and warfare, but its muscle-relaxing properties were soon recognized and it began to be used in surgery in the 19th century. However, its use was limited by the difficulty of obtaining a reliable supply, as well as the risk of overdose and respiratory failure.

Why are animals used for curare production?

The production of curare requires a reliable supply of the plants that contain the active ingredient, as well as a means of extracting and purifying the alkaloid. While it is possible to synthesize curare in the laboratory, the natural form is still preferred due to its greater potency and purity. The most common method for obtaining curare is by using animals to produce the necessary antibodies for purification.

The ethical implications of using animals in curare production

The use of animals in curare production has been criticized on ethical grounds, as it involves injecting animals with a toxic substance and subjecting them to discomfort and pain. However, it is important to note that curare production using animals is subject to strict ethical guidelines and regulations, and efforts are made to minimize the suffering of the animals involved.

Alternatives to Curare production using animals

There are several alternatives to curare production using animals, including the use of synthetic forms of the alkaloid and the development of alternative methods for antibody production, such as cell culture and phage display. These methods are still in the experimental stages, but they hold promise for reducing the reliance on animals for curare production.

The importance of curare in modern medicine

Curare is an important tool in modern medicine for muscle relaxation during surgery, as well as for treating conditions such as tetanus and spasticity. It is also used in research for studying muscle function and nerve conduction. While its use has declined in recent years due to the availability of newer drugs, it remains an important part of the medical toolkit.

Conclusion: The future of curare production

The future of curare production is likely to involve a combination of traditional animal-based methods and newer alternatives, such as synthetic forms of the alkaloid and alternative methods for antibody production. Efforts will continue to be made to minimize the impact on animal welfare while ensuring a reliable supply of this important drug.

References and further reading

• Santos, M. S., & Viana, M. B. (2014). Curare: a pharmacological challenge. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, 86(4), 1585-1596.
• Bucaretchi, F., Baracat, E. C., Nogueira, R. J. N., Chaves, A., Zambrone, F. A. D., Fonseca, M. R., & Hyslop, S. (2011). A comparative study of severe accidental poisoning caused by a South American Indian arrowhead venom and by pit viper venom. Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases, 17(1), 98-107.
• Strychnos toxifera. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strychnos_toxifera