Ricin is a toxic protein in Castor.Italian researchers have conducted an ocular toxicological study of ricin in rabbits.They administered variable concentrations of the toxin onto the rabbit’s eyes and evaluated its toxic function.The experimental study revealed that the toxin induced inflammation response in eyes of experimental animals and they even removed the eyes and noticed microscopic pathological manifestations of the toxin.As a way of identifying the neutralizer to the toxin,they evaluated phosphate buffer and 10% lactose solutions with the former had no effect while latter exhibited a partial toxin neutralization activity.The dead subjects were also analyzed.Results indicated that an internal injury to the organs was also imposed by the toxin which further made scientists to conclude that the inability of the neutralizer solutions was due to the rapid absorption and circulation of the toxin in the system.
This research information is of immense significance as history has witnessed the castor toxin as a biological weapon in Georgi Markov’ assassination.So research studies would be valuable tools to best combat the toxin under the conditions of emergency.
For detailed Reference:http://www.iovs.org/content/46/4/1113.full.pdf
Ricin is a highly toxic protein that is derived from the bean of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). The toxin causes cell death by inactivating ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis. Ricin can be produced in a liquid, crystal or powdered forms and it can be inhaled, ingested, or injected. It causes fever, cough, weakness, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and death. There is no cure for ricin poisoning, and medical treatment is simply supportive.
Ricin comes from castor beans, which produce castor oil, a component of brake fluid and hydraulic fluid. One million tons of castor beans are processed each year and the resulting waste mash contains 5–10% ricin. The 66,000 Dalton protein can be purified from the mash using chromatography. Once purified, ricin is a very stable molecule, able to withstand changes in environmental conditions.
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