Hemorrhagic activity of the vascular apoptosis-inducing proteins VAP1 and VAP2 from Crotalus atrox

Toxicon. 2008 Sep 15;52(4):589-93. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.06.027. Epub 2008 Jul 9.

Abstract

Vascular apoptosis-inducing proteins (VAPs) from hemorrhagic snake venom are apoptosis-inducing toxins that target vascular endothelial cells. We now show that VAP1 and VAP2 from Crotalus atrox have hemorrhagic activity in mouse skin following intradermal injection. Following intravenous injection, VAP2 induced hemorrhage in the lung, intestine and kidney. Although the hemorrhagic activity was relatively weak, these apoptosis toxins may play a role in the complex mechanism of snake venom-induced hemorrhage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / toxicity*
  • Crotalid Venoms / chemistry*
  • Crotalid Venoms / toxicity
  • Crotalus
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Metalloendopeptidases / toxicity*
  • Mice
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / pathology
  • Toxicity Tests

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Crotalid Venoms
  • Metalloendopeptidases
  • VAP2 protein, Crotalus atrox
  • vascular apoptosis-inducing protein 1, Crotalus atrox