Some enzymatic activities of Egyptian snake venoms and a scorpion venom.

Abstract

Abstract The enzymatic activities of proteinase, cholinesterase, transaminases (glutamic oxalacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase) and amylase were estimated in several Egyptian snake venoms and in a scorpion venom. All venoms showed proteinase activity in varying degrees, while cholinesterase was found only in Naja haje and Walterinessia aegyptia venoms; the glutamic pyruvic transaminase activity was recorded in all venoms except Naja nigricollis and the scorpion venom, although no glutamic oxalacetic transaminase or amylase action was found in any of the venoms. All the enzymes were heat labile.