Ricin injection effects

The B-lymphocytes may represent one of the preferential targets of ricin toxicity in vivo. Lymphatic tissues from animals exposed to ricin show extensive hyperplasia and cellular necrosis with edema, hyperemia, and hemorrhage (Waller et al., 1966). Rats injected (i.m.) with ricin or abrin develop numerous apoptotic-like bodies in ileal crypts, para-aortic lymph nodes, and Peyer s patches (Griffiths et al., 1987). The finding of apoptosis in whole animals may be due to a direct effect of ricin on cells of the lymphatic tissue, as is observed with isolated cells in vitro, or it may partly reflect the numerous pathological sequelae of toxin exposure, including severe shock (Griffiths et al., 1988 Howat, 1988). 

Sublethal effects of injected ricin have been documented in isolated case reports, and are difficult to distinguish from those of many other toxic or infectious agents. A 36 year old chemist who allegedly injected himself (i.m.) with an unknown amount of ricin prepared from homogenized castor seed, for example, complained of headache and rigors approximately 10 h later, then developed anorexia and nausea, a sinus tachycardia, erythematous areas around the puncture wounds, and local lymphadenopathy at the injection sites (Fine et al., 1992). 

Specific effects of ricin poisoning depend on whether ricin was inhaled, swallowed, or injected. 

No antidote exists for ricin. Ricin poisoning is treated by giving the victim supportive medical care to minimize the effects of the poisoning. The types of supportive medical care would depend on several factors, such as the route by which the victim was poisoned (that is, by inhalation, ingestion, or injection). Care could include such measures as helping the victim breathe and giving him or her intravenous fluids and medications to treat swelling. 

Ricin is not an infectious agent but rather is a potent protein toxin produced from castor beans (Figure 3.5). Castor beans are common worldwide and the toxin is easy to produce. It makes a good bioweapon (better for assassination than for mass exposure) because it is stable and can be administered by several routes (inhalation, oral, or injection). Although ricin is not as deadly as some toxins, the ease of its production makes it attractive as a weapon. It has been especially attractive for small terrorist organizations that lack funds for obtaining more deadly weapons. Aerosol would be the most effective delivery method, but it is difficult to produce ricin particles in the 5-micron range so it is less useful for mass exposures. 

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