Platelets as targets of snake venom metalloproteinases.
For centuries snake venoms have been known to interfere with haemostasis and this is now known basically due either to toxins activating/inhibiting clotting factors, having effects on blood vessels or interfering with platelet function. In this short review, the interaction of one major group of toxins, the snake venom metalloproteinases, with platelets is considered. This is relevant for understanding the mechanism of haemorrhage induced by these toxins.
Kamiguti
Aura S
AS
Department of Haematology, University of Liverpool, Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK. aurakami@liverpool.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D003545:Cysteine / Q000378:metabolism; D019483:Disintegrins / Q000378:metabolism; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000187:drug effects*; D045726:Metalloproteases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D038981:Receptors, Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D012910:Snake Venoms / Q000201:enzymology*; D012911:Snakes
D019483:Disintegrins; D038981:Receptors, Collagen; D012910:Snake Venoms; D003094:Collagen; D045726:Metalloproteases; D003545:Cysteine