Definitions[1]

Lecithinase- This protein indirectly causes the lysis of erythreocytes. Experimentally doses of venom from 0.75 to 1 ug induced total hemolysis of 1ml of horse erythrocytes

Anticoagulase - The presence of this protein in sea snake venom prevents or delays the coagulation of blood plasma. In experiments as little as 25ug prevented coagulation of 1ml plasma.

Hyaluronidase - This protein is the cause of diffusion of land snake venom into cells. It has also been discovered in sea snakes. Curiously cholinesterase and L-amino acid oxidase, other proteins found in land snake venoms that help the neurotoxin diffuse into cells, have not been found in sea snake venoms yet.

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Christine M. Cook

cookcm@uwec.edu


December 9, 1996

[UWEC Web] [Schools & Dept.] [Chemistry Dept.]