Histology and Histochemistry of Venom Glands of Some Crotaline Snakes

The venom gland of crotaline snakes consists of several portions differing in structure and in histochemical reactions. The secretion of the main part of the venom gland contains glycoproteins (in the histochemical sense) and the cells are rich in apical RNA-protein. The accessory gland is composed of two histologically different parts which produce both neutral and acid mucins, the latter containing a relatively large amount of neuraminic acid. The tubules of the anterior part of the accessory gland are surrounded by numerous myoepithelial cells that can be visualized by their strong reaction with mercury bromphenol blue and 2,2-dihydroxy6,-6'-dinaphthyl disulfide (DDD)-fast blue B. The venom glands of crotalines are similar in all major characteristics to those of viperines examined.