Reports of bite from Protobothrops mucrosquamatus (Pmu) are frequent in Taiwan, and its wide-spread distribution and diverse habitats drove us to investigate its envenoming effects and relevant venom variations. We used reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to analyze 163 Pmu venom samples collected from northern and southeastern Taiwan. Twenty-two major protein fractions were separated and analyzed, and their contents were determined semi-quantitatively. The results showed that despite the trivial differences in the protein family, there is an existing variation in acidic phospholipases A2s, serine proteinases, metalloproteinases, C-type lectin-like proteins, and other less abundant components in the Pmu venoms. Moreover, clinical manifestations of 209 Pmu envenomed patients hospitalized in northern or southeastern Taiwan revealed significant differences in local symptoms, such as ecchymosis and blistering. The mechanism of these local effects and possibly relevant venom components were examined. Further analysis showed that certain venom components with inter-population variation might work alone or synergistically with others to aggravate the local effects. Therefore, our findings of the venom variation may help one to improve antivenom production and better understand and manage Pmu bites.
Keywords: Protobothrops mucrosquamatus; inter-population venom variation; phospholipase A2; snake venom metalloproteinases; venom-induced blistering.