Purification and characterisation of phospholipases, hyaluronidases and metalloproteinases of two Naja species

Abstract

In this study, the necrotic properties of N. siamensis and N. mossambica (both Elapids) venom were studied using histological and biochemical studies. Local necrosis appears to be the dominant feature of N. siamensis and N. mossambica envenomation in man. Toxins studied in other snake venoms, that cause necrosis upon envenomation, include phospholipase A2 and metalloproteinase. Hyaluronidase, an understudied enzyme, has also been postulated to play a role in necrosis. These enzymes in both venoms were investigated. The data presented in this study suggest that the crude venoms and the PLA2 toxins of N. siamensis and N. mossambica do possess myotoxic activity. It is most likely responsible for the myotoxicity caused by the N. siamensis and N. mossambica venom in experimental mice and rats. Further characterization of components from both venoms were achieved using MS/MS.