Platelet-active substances in the venom of Bothrops moojeni snake-a novel evaluation method using whole blood aggregometry.
The objective of the present study was an investigation of the crude Bothrops moojeni venom, aiming at the identification of new compounds with platelet-activating or -inhibiting activity. The venom was separated by gel filtration chromatography into 18 fractions, which were tested by means of whole blood aggregometry for their activities affecting the aggregation of blood platelets. In order to eliminate interferences caused by prothrombin activators or thrombin like-enzymes, which are frequently present in snake venoms, a test method for screening protein mixtures was developed. To avoid clotting of the blood samples, the thrombin inhibitor hirudin and the synthetic inhibitor of fibrin polymerization Pefabloc FG were applied. In the present study, a platelet aggregation activator with an activity resembling thrombocytin from B. atrox was identified in one of the examined venom fractions. In addition, a platelet antagonist-most likely a disintegrin-with broad inhibitory activity against aggregation triggered by collagen, adenosine diphosphate and thrombin receptor activating peptide, was identified.
Demler
Christine
C
DSM Nutritional Products AG Branch Pentapharm, CH-4147 Aesch (BL), Switzerland.
Bühler
Beatrice
B
Menin
Laure
L
Stöcklin
Reto
R
Wilmer
Marianne
M
Ernst
Beat
B
Perchuc
Anna Maria
AM
D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay / Q000379:methods*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D017837:Bothrops; D003435:Crotalid Venoms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology
D003435:Crotalid Venoms; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors