Comparison of total protein and phospholipase A(2) levels in individual coralsnake venoms

Abstract

Studies of differences or changes in venom protein levels or enzymatic activities have significance only if contrasted to the normal variations between individual snakes. This study involves the analysis and comparison of venom from 13 individual Texas coralsnakes (Micrurus tener tener) in order to detect differences in the volume, total protein concentration, electrophoretic profile, and PLA2 enzyme activity. A significant inverse correlation between venom volume and total protein concentration was found. Although the 13 venoms were indistinguishable from their electrophoretic protein profiles, phospholipase A2 enzymatic activities varied considerably.

Keywords: Coralsnake; Individual snake; PLA(2); Phospholipase A(2); Protein concentration; Venom; Venom volume; phospholipase A(2).