Antibody Detection of Venom Protein Variation within a Population of the Rattlesnake Crotalus v. viridis

Abstract

As a preliminary investigation into intra-population variation in venom proteins in the prairie rattlesnake, Crotalus v. viridis, we analyzed a small number (11) of venom samples from extreme western Texas and adjoining New Mexico by electrophoresis and Western blotting methods. A monoclonal antibody raised against hemorrhagic toxin in C. atrox venom (CA-P-8) recognized all the venoms, but none was recognized by a monoclonal antibody raised against a hemorrhagic toxin in C. m. molossus venom (CMM-1). All the venoms were recognized by an anti-L-amino acid oxidase (CSS20) monoclonal antibody, but none was recognized by an anti-Mojave toxin antibody (CSS12). An antibody (AF5) against a protease in C. s. scutulatus venom that inactivates complement recognized all the venoms except the venom from one young snake. The principal individual venom differences were in the amounts of various venom components, although qualitative differences were noted. The principal similarities lie in the molecular weights of most of the venom proteins. Intrapopulational mobility differences were more pronounced in venom proteins separated by isoelectric focusing and PAGE without SDS and 2-mercaptoethanol.