Biosynthesis, secretion and in vivo isotopic labelling of venom of the Egyptian cobra, Naja haje annulifera.
The venom glands of Elapidae differ from those of the Viperidae by lacking an expanded central lumen; the venom is stored in the tubular lumina as well as inside the cells in densely packed secretion granules. Using isotope tracer techniques, it was found that in the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje annulifera) venom is secreted both from pre-existing and from newly-formed granules. The rate of protein biosynthesis peaks at 4-9 days after venom was extracted (milked) from the glands. Highly labelled toxins (1-10 mCi/mmole protein) were isolated in good yield from the venom of snakes chronically intubated and infused i.p. with (3H)-amino acids. Repeated Fluothane (Halothane) anaesthesias and venom collections had no ill effect on venom yield. The radioactive venom and its component toxins retained full biological potency.
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D004546:Elapid Venoms / Q000378:metabolism*; D005088:Exocrine Glands / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D007700:Kinetics; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D012911:Snakes / Q000378:metabolism*
D000596:Amino Acids; D004546:Elapid Venoms; D011506:Proteins