![]() The United States investigated ricin for its military potential during the First World War. Use as a chemical/biological warfare agent ![]() Therapeutically, ricin is used in magic bullets to specifically target and destroy cancer cells. Use of ricin as an adjuvant has potential implications for developing mucosal vaccines. A promising approach is also to use the non-toxic B subunit as a vehicle for delivering antigens into cells thus greatly increasing their immunogenicity. Genetic modification of ricin is believed to be possible to lessen its toxicity to humans, but not to the cancer cells. Ricin could be linked to a monoclonal antibody to target malignant cells recognized by the antibody. Ricins may have therapeutic use in the treatment of cancer. In the United States, a person caught manufacturing or possessing ricin may be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison. Since 0.2 mg of purified Ricin constitutes a fatal dose, this is a considerable amount of ricin. The seed- pulp left over from pressing for castor oil contains on average about 5% by weight of ricin. Ricin is easily purified from castor-oil manufacturing waste. Since people do not get sick from eating large amounts of such products, ricin A is of extremely low toxicity as long as the B chain is not present. Many plants such as barley have the A chain but not the B chain. Ricin B is a lectin that binds galactosyl residues and is important in assisting ricin A's entry into a cell by binding with a cell surface component.Ricin A is an N- glycoside hydrolase that specifically removes an adenine base from ribosomal RNA, resulting in an inhibition of protein synthesis.Ricin consists of two distinct protein chains (almost 30 kDa each) that are linked to each other by a disulfide bond: The case experience is not as negative as popular perception would indicate. A solution of saline and glucose has been used to treat ricin overdose. Eight beans are considered toxic for an adult. (See abrin).ĭeaths caused by ingestion of seeds are rare. Ricin causes severe diarrhea and victims can die of shock. Long term organ damage is likely in survivors. ![]() Symptomatic and supportive treatment is available. While there is no known antidote, the US military has developed a vaccine. Ricin is poisonous if inhaled, injected, or ingested, acting as a toxin by the inhibition of protein synthesis. The A chain is shown in blue and the B chain in orange. Risk calculators and risk factors for Ricin US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Ricin Articles on Ricin in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ ![]()
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