Isolation of coagulant and anticoagulant principles from the venom of Agkistrodon acutus.

Abstract

Abstract By means of zone electrophoresis on starch, the venom of Agkistrodon acutus could be separated into six fractions. The thrombin-like and esterase activities migrated toward anode and concentrated in Fraction 6. Both activities were about eleven times stronger than those of the crude venom and were inhibited by DFP. There were three anticoagulant principles which could prolong plasma prothrombin time. One migrated toward anode and two migrated toward cathode. By means of DEAE Cellulose column chromatography, seven fractions were obtained. The thrombin-like and esterase activities were concentrated in Fraction 7, while anticoagulant activity was located in Fractions 1, 5 and 6. By means of DEAE Sephadex column chromatography, the venom could be separated into twelve fractions. The thrombin-like and esterase activities were concentrated in Fraction 10. Both activities were about sixteen times stronger than those of the crude venom. There were also three anticoagulant principles which were found in Fractions 1, 6 and 7. The thrombin-like activity was more heat stable than the anticoagulant activity. The caseinolytic activity was found in Fractions 1, 9 and 11. Other fractions had only weak caseinolytic activity.