Australian Brown Snake Research Articles

Role of Phospholipases A2 in Vascular Relaxation and Sympatholytic Effects of Five Australian Brown Snake, Pseudonaja spp., Venoms in Rat Isolated Tissues.

Human envenoming by Australian brown snakes (Pseudonaja spp.) may result in potentially life-threatening hypotension and subsequent cardiovascular collapse. There have been relatively few studies of the cardiovascular and sympathetic effects of Pseudonaja spp. venoms. In this study, we have examined the effects of venom from five brown snake species—P. affinis, aspidorhyncha, inframacula, nuchalis, and textilis—on cardiac inotropic and chronotropic responses, vascular tone, and sympathetic nerve-induced vascular contractions in rat isolated tissues. The role of phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) in venom-induced effects was assessed with the sPLA2 inhibitor varespladib. In rat isolated left and right atria, there were no physiologically relevant effects of Pseudonaja venoms (0.1–30 µg/ml) on left atrial force of contraction (inotropy) or right atrial rate (chronotropy). In contrast, in isolated small mesenteric arteries precontracted with a thromboxane mimetic, each of the five brown snake venoms (at 30 µg/ml) caused marked vasorelaxation (−60 to –90% of contractile tone). Pretreatment with varespladib (1 µM) significantly inhibited the vasorelaxation caused by P. aspidorhyncha, P. nuchalis, and P. textilis venoms. Electrically induced sympathetic nerve-mediated contractions of mesenteric arteries were significantly attenuated by only P. textilis, and P. affinis venoms (30 µg/ml) and these sympatholytic effects were inhibited by varespladib (1 µM). Based on their inhibition with the sPLA2 inhibitor varespladib, we conclude that PLA2 toxins in P. aspidorhyncha, P. nuchalis, and P. textilis venoms are involved in brown snake venom-induced vasorelaxation and the sympatholytic effects of P. affinis, and P. textilis venoms. Our study supports the promising potential role of varespladib as an initial (pre-referral) and/or adjunct (in combination with antivenom) therapeutic agent for brown snake envenoming.

Snakebite associated thrombotic microangiopathy: a systematic review of clinical features, outcomes, and evidence for interventions including plasmapheresis.

Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is an important but poorly understood complication of snakebite associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). Numerous treatments have been attempted based on limited evidence. We conducted a systematic review of TMA following snakebite using a pre-determined case definition of blood film red cell schistocytes or histologically diagnosed TMA. The search strategy included major electronic databases and grey literature. We present a descriptive synthesis for the outcomes of AKI, dialysis free survival (DFS), other end-organ damage, overall survival, and interventions with antivenom and therapeutic plasmapheresis (TPE). This study was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019121436). Seventy-two studies reporting 351 cases were included, predominantly small observational studies. Heterogeneity for study selection, design, reporting and outcomes were observed. The commonest envenoming species were hump-nosed vipers (Hypnale spp.), Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) and Australian brown snakes (Pseudechis spp.). The prevalence of TMA was at least 5.4% in proven and probable Hypnale bites, and 10–15% of Australian elapid envenomings, AKI occurred in 94% (293/312) of TMA cases, excluding case reports. The majority of cases with AKI required dialysis. Included prospective and retrospective cohort studies reporting interventions and renal outcomes showed no evidence for benefit from antivenom or TPE with respect to DFS in dialysis dependant AKI. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) assessment for quality of accumulated evidence for interventions was low. The major complication of TMA following snakebite is AKI. AKI improves in most cases. We found no evidence to support benefit from antivenom in snakebite associated TMA, but antivenom remains the standard of care for snake envenoming. There was no evidence for benefit of TPE in snakebite associated TMA, so TPE cannot be recommended. The quality of accumulated evidence was low, highlighting a need for high quality larger studies.

Correlation between ontogenetic dietary shifts and venom variation in Australian brown snakes (Pseudonaja)

Venom is a key evolutionary trait, as evidenced by its widespread convergent evolution across the animal kingdom. In an escalating prey-predator arms race, venoms evolve rapidly to guarantee predatory or defensive success. Variation in venom composition is ubiquitous among snakes. Here, we tested variation in venom activity on substrates relevant to blood coagulation among Pseudonaja (brown snake) species, Australian elapids responsible for the majority of medically important human envenomations in Australia. A functional approach was employed to elucidate interspecific variation in venom activity in all nine currently recognised species of Pseudonaja. Fluorometric enzymatic activity assays were performed to test variation in whole venom procoagulant activity among species. Analyses confirmed the previously documented ontogenetic shift from non-coagulopathic venom in juveniles to coagulopathic venom as adults, except for the case of P. modesta, which retains non-coagulopathic venom as an adult. These shifts in venom activity correlate with documented ontogenetic shifts in diet among brown snakes from specialisation on reptilian prey as juveniles (and throughout the life cycle of P. modesta), to a more generalised diet in adults that includes mammals. The results of this study bring to light findings relevant to both clinical and evolutionary toxinology.

The structure of Human Microplasmin in Complex with Textilinin-1, an Aprotinin-like Inhibitor from the Australian Brown Snake

Textilinin-1 is a Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor from Australian brown snake venom. Its ability to potently and specifically inhibit human plasmin (Ki = 0.44 nM) makes it a potential therapeutic drug as a systemic anti-bleeding agent. The crystal structures of the human microplasmin-textilinin-1 and the trypsin-textilinin-1 complexes have been determined to 2.78 Å and 1.64 Å resolution respectively, and show that textilinin-1 binds to trypsin in a canonical mode but to microplasmin in an atypical mode with the catalytic histidine of microplasmin rotated out of the active site. The space vacated by the histidine side-chain in this complex is partially occupied by a water molecule. In the structure of microplasminogen the χ1 dihedral angle of the side-chain of the catalytic histidine is rotated by 67° from its “active” position in the catalytic triad, as exemplified by its location when microplasmin is bound to streptokinase. However, when textilinin-1 binds to microplasmin the χ1 dihedral angle of this amino acid residue changes by −157° (i.e. in the opposite rotation direction compared to microplasminogen). The unusual mode of interaction between textilinin-1 and plasmin explains textilinin-1′s selectivity for human plasmin over plasma kallikrein. This difference can be exploited in future drug design efforts.

Fatal Cerebellar Hemorrhage Following Australian Brown Snake Envenomation

Fatal Cerebellar Hemorrhage Following Australian Brown Snake Envenomation

Cross-neutralisation of Australian brown snake, taipan and death adder venoms by monovalent antibodies

An understanding of the cross-neutralisation of snake venoms by antibodies is important for snake antivenom development. We investigated the cross-neutralisation of brown snake ( Pseudonaja textilis) venom, taipan ( Oxyuranus scutellatus) venom and death adder ( Acanthophis antarcticus) with commercial antivenoms and monovalent anti-snake IgG, using enzyme immunoassays, in vitro clotting and neurotoxicity assays. Each commercial antivenom bound all three venoms, and neutralised clotting activity of brown snake and taipan venoms and neurotoxicity of death adder venom. The ‘in-house’ monovalent anti-snake venom IgG raised against procoagulant brown snake and taipan venoms, did not neutralise the neurotoxic effects of death adder venom. However, they did cross-neutralise the procoagulant effects of both procoagulant venoms. This supports the idea of developing antivenoms against groups of snake toxins rather than individual snake venoms.

Hemostatic properties of a venomic protein in rat organ trauma

Previous in vitro work characterized the protease Q8009 isolated from the venom of the Australian brown snake Pseudonaja textilis textilis with Factor Xa-like activity and hemostatic properties. The purpose of the work described here characterizes the in vivo hemostatic properties in a rat model of parenchymatous organ injury. The key parameters of activity included reduction in time-to-hemostasis and total volume of blood loss in spleen, liver and kidney wound models in rats. The surgical protocols involved exposure of the organs via a midline abdominal laparotomy. Using a clean metal template with 6, 6.5, 9 mm holes for spleen, liver and kidney, respectively, a predetermined volume of the organ was gently extruded through the template hole and excised with a razor blade. About 50 to 75 μL of collagen matrix with the different test solutions was applied to the wounds. Blood was collected and at the end of the procedure animals were humanely sacrificed with an anesthetic overdose. Determination of blood was performed using the hematin assay using a standard curve. Blood loss per minute and total blood loss were calculated. Results from the studies demonstrated that the application of Q8009 and collagen matrix to surgical wounds significantly reduced the total amount of blood loss and the time-to-hemostasis. In the spleen wound model, Q8009 at 100, 250 and 1000 μg/ml significantly reduced ( p < 0.001) the total volume of blood lost relative to thrombin and reduced the time-to-hemostasis by 25-50%, as compared to 7% by thrombin. In the liver wound model, Q8009 at 250 and 1000 μg/ml significantly reduced ( p < 0.001) the total volume of blood lost relative to thrombin and reduced the time-to-hemostasis from 10.5 min by thrombin to 5.6 min with Q8009. In the kidney wound model, Q8009 at 250 μg/ml significantly reduced ( p < 0.05) the total volume of blood lost and reduced the time-to-hemostasis by 25% when compared to thrombin. The hemostasis levels were consistent with previous findings in skin wound rat models where Q8009 consistently reduced the total volume of blood lost and shortened time-to-hemostasis. Application of Q8009 plus collagen matrix significantly reduced the volume of total blood loss and time-to-hemostasis in rat surgical organ wound models induced bleeding, as compared to a commercially available hemostat device. The protein Q8009 has greater capacity to reduce blood loss and shorten time-to-hemostasis; highly desirable properties where rapid hemostasis is needed in surgical wounds in parenchymatous organs.

Thrombotic microangiopathy from Australian brown snake (Pseudonaja) envenoming

Australian brown snake (genus Pseudonaja) envenoming causes a venom-induced consumptive coagulopathy (VICC). A proportion of cases go on to develop thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA) and acute renal failure (ARF). The aim of the study was to define better the natural history and empirical treatments for thrombotic microangiopathy in brown snake envenoming. A review of brown snake bites recruited to the Australian Snakebite Project (ASP), a national multicentre study of snake envenoming was undertaken. Serial data are recorded on clinical effects and laboratory results, including measurement of venom concentrations. We describe cases of thrombotic microangiopathy and compare these to cases without thrombotic microangiopathy. From 32 cases of brown snake envenoming with severe VICC, four (13%) developed thrombotic microangiopathy, we also included two cases of thrombotic microangiopathy from prior to ASP. All six developed severe thrombocytopenia (<20 x 10(-9)/L), worst 3 days after the bite and resolving over a week, MAHA with fragmented red blood cells on the blood film and five developed anuric ARF requiring dialysis and lasting 2-8 weeks. All six received antivenom, which was delayed compared with other brown snake-envenoming cases. Four were treated with plasmapheresis. The severity and recovery of the thrombocytopenia, anaemia and renal function were similar with and without plasmapheresis. The median length of stay for MAHA cases was 14 days (interquartile range (IQR) 12-14) compared to 1.8 days (IQR 1.3-2) for all other cases. Thrombotic microangiopathy resulting from brown snake bite appears to have a good prognosis and management should focus on early antivenom therapy and supportive care including dialysis. The role of plasmapheresis is yet to be defined.

The Diversity of Bioactive Proteins in Australian Snake Venoms

Australian elapid snakes are among the most venomous in the world. Their venoms contain multiple components that target blood hemostasis, neuromuscular signaling, and the cardiovascular system. We describe here a comprehensive approach to separation and identification of the venom proteins from 18 of these snake species, representing nine genera. The venom protein components were separated by two-dimensional PAGE and identified using mass spectrometry and de novo peptide sequencing. The venoms are complex mixtures showing up to 200 protein spots varying in size from <7 to over 150 kDa and in pI from 3 to >10. These include many proteins identified previously in Australian snake venoms, homologs identified in other snake species, and some novel proteins. In many cases multiple trains of spots were typically observed in the higher molecular mass range (>20 kDa) (indicative of post-translational modification). Venom proteins and their post-translational modifications were characterized using specific antibodies, phosphoprotein- and glycoprotein-specific stains, enzymatic digestion, lectin binding, and antivenom reactivity. In the lower molecular weight range, several proteins were identified, but the predominant species were phospholipase A2 and alpha-neurotoxins, both represented by different sequence variants. The higher molecular weight range contained proteases, nucleotidases, oxidases, and homologs of mammalian coagulation factors. This information together with the identification of several novel proteins (metalloproteinases, vespryns, phospholipase A2 inhibitors, protein-disulfide isomerase, 5'-nucleotidases, cysteine-rich secreted proteins, C-type lectins, and acetylcholinesterases) aids in understanding the lethal mechanisms of elapid snake venoms and represents a valuable resource for future development of novel human therapeutics.

Cross-neutralisation of Australian brown and tiger snake venoms with commercial antivenoms: Cross-reactivity or antivenom mixtures?

Recently it has been suggested that the Australian snake antivenoms made by CSL Ltd. are in fact not truly monovalent and may contain antibodies to other snake venoms because the horses are injected with multiple snake venoms. It is unclear to what extent various monovalent antivenoms can neutralise the effect of other venoms, whether this is due to a mixture of antibodies or true cross-reactivity, and whether this has any clinical significance. We aimed to study the immunological and functional properties of brown snake ( Pseudonaja spp.) antivenom (BSAV) and tiger snake ( Notechis spp.) antivenom (TSAV) against their respective venoms using enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and in vitro clotting studies. There was significant overlap between the two antivenoms with both TSAV and BSAV being detected by EIA on brown snake venom (BSV)-coated and tiger snake venom (TSV)-coated wells, respectively. In a competition EIA, increasing amounts of immunoaffinity-purified hen anti-brown antibodies (IgYp) mixed with TSAV reduced TSAV measured on TSV-coated wells. Both BSAV and TSAV prevented the clotting activity of both venoms. IgYp also prevented the clotting activity of TSV, suggesting true cross-reactivity. The cross-reactivity of TSAV and BSAV with BSV and TSV, respectively, was likely due to each being a mixture of anti-brown and anti-tiger antibodies, but there was partial cross-reactivity demonstrated by the effect of IgYp. Single-polyvalent antivenom for brown snake and tiger snake may be feasible in the future.

Hemostatic Properties of a Venomic Protein (Q8009) in Rodent Organ Injuries

Previous in vitro work characterized the protease Q8009 from the venom of the Australian brown snake Pseudonaja textilis textilis with hemostatic properties and Factor Xa-like activity. In vivo studies indicate that Q8009 applied to surgical injury sites is superior to thrombin in blood loss reduction and time-to-hemostasis. The spleen, liver and kidney protocols involved excision of a predetermined portion of the organ and the application of 50 to 75 μL of collagen matrix and test solutions. Blood was collected for 12 one-minute intervals and blood loss measured by hematin determination. In the spleen excision model, Q8009 at 100, 250 and 1000 μg/ml significantly reduced (p<0.001) total volume of blood lost, relative to thrombin and reduced time-to-hemostasis between 25–50%, as compared to 7% by thrombin. In the liver excision model, Q8009 at 250 and 1000 μg/ml significantly reduced (p<0.001) total volume of blood lost, relative to thrombin and reduced time-to-hemostasis from 10.5 minutes by thrombin to 5.6 minutes with Q8009. In the kidney excision model, Q8009 at 250 μg/ml significantly reduced (p<0.05) total volume of blood lost, relative to thrombin and reduced time-to-hemostasis by 25% when compared to thrombin. Therefore, application of Q8009 to injured organs significantly reduced total blood loss and shortened the time-to-hemostasis, when compared to thrombin. This work was supported by QRxPharma.

Efficacy of antivenom against the procoagulant effect of Australian brown snake ( Pseudonaja sp.) venom: In vivo and in vitro studies

Snake venom induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC) is a common complication of snake bite due to prothrombin activators or thrombin-like enzymes in the venom. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and dose of antivenom for treating VICC in patients envenomed by brown snakes ( Pseudonaja spp.), including in vitro coagulation studies. In serial blood samples from patients with brown snake envenoming, venom and antivenom concentrations were measured using enzyme immunoassays. In vitro mixtures of brown snake venom and antivenom were used to investigate antivenom binding, neutralisation of prothrombin activity, prevention of venom-mediated clotting and effect on thrombin generation parameters using a thrombinoscope. In 27 envenomed patients the median venom concentration was 20 ng/mL (Interquartile range[IQR]:12–44 ng/mL) prior to antivenom and was not detected after antivenom administration, including 9 patients given one vial. In vitro, 200 μg/mL of antivenom bound all free venom at venom concentrations seen in patients. In vitro prothrombinase activity of the venom (using a chromogenic substrate) was not neutralised by antivenom. However, for venom concentrations seen in humans, 100 μg/mL of antivenom prevented venom clotting activity in human plasma and 479 μg/mL neutralised procoagulant venom activity measured by triggering thrombin generation. One vial of antivenom appears to be sufficient to bind and neutralise all venom in patients with severe brown snake envenoming.

Hemostatic Properties of Topically Applied Q8009 a Snake Venom Protease

Previous in vitro work characterized the protease Q8009 from the venom of the Australian brown snake Pseudonaja textilis textilis with hemostatic properties and Factor Xa-like activity. In vivo studies reported herein indicate that Q8009 mixed with collagen matrix and applied to surgical injury sites is superior to thrombin in blood loss reduction and a shorter time-to-hemostasis. The dermal injury model involved a dermal incision (1 mm deep x 5 mm in length) on each hind limb manus between digits 2 and 3. The tail-tip model utilized transection of the last 2 mm of the tail-tip. Blood was collected for 12 one-minute intervals or until hemostasis, and blood loss was measured by quantifying hematin concentration. In the dermal injury model, Q8009 at concentrations of 100 [mu]g/mL, 250 [mu]g/mL and 1,000 [mu]g/mL significantly reduced (p<0.001) blood loss, compared to thrombin and reduced the time-to-hemostasis to ~ 2.0 minutes compared to 4.77 minutes with thrombin. In the tail-tip transection model, Q8009 and collagen matrix did not significantly reduce blood loss relative to thrombin. However, Q8009 (1,000 [mu]g/mL) without collagen matrix, significantly reduced (p<0.001) blood loss from the tail wound. When the Tail-Tip and Dermal models were averaged together, thrombin reduced overall blood loss by 72%, Q8009 at 100 [mu]g/mL, 250 [mu]g/mL and 1,000 [mu]g/mL reduced blood loss by 75%, 90% and 83%, respectively. Therefore, topical application of Q8009 significantly reduced total blood loss and shortened the time-to-hemostasis, when compared to thrombin. This work was supported by QRxPharma.

Molecular Diversity in Venom from the Australian Brown Snake, Pseudonaja textilis

Venom from the Australian elapid Pseudonaja textilis (Common or Eastern Brown snake), is the second most toxic snake venom known and is the most common cause of death from snake bite in Australia. This venom is known to contain a prothrombin activator complex, serine proteinase inhibitors, various phospholipase A2s, and pre- and postsynaptic neurotoxins. In this study, we performed a proteomic identification of the venom using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and de novo peptide sequencing. We identified most of the venom proteins including proteins previously not known to be present in the venom. In addition, we used immunoblotting and post-translational modification-specific enzyme stains and antibodies that reveal the complexity and regional diversity of the venom. Modifications observed include phosphorylation, gamma-carboxylation, and glycosylation. Glycoproteins were further characterized by enzymatic deglycosylation and by lectin binding specificity. The venom contains an abundance of glycoproteins with N-linked sugars that include glucose/mannose, N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, and sialic acids. Additionally there are multiple isoforms of mammalian coagulation factors that comprise a significant proportion of the venom. Indeed two of the identified proteins, a procoagulant and a plasmin inhibitor, are currently in development as human therapeutic agents.

Practical applications of snake venom toxins in haemostasis

Snake venom toxins affecting haemostasis have facilitated extensively the routine assays of haemostatic parameters in the coagulation laboratory. Snake venom thrombin-like enzymes (SVTLE) are used for fibrinogen/fibrinogen breakdown product assay and for the detection of fibrinogen dysfunction. SVTLE are not inhibited by heparin and can thus can be used for assaying antithrombin III and other haemostatic variables in heparin-containing samples. Snake venoms are a rich source of prothrombin activators and these are utilised in prothrombin assays, for studying dysprothrombinaemias and for preparing meizothrombin and non-enzymic forms of prothrombin. Russell's viper ( Daboia russelli) venom (RVV) contains toxins which have been used to assay blood clotting factors V, VII, X, platelet factor 3 and, importantly, lupus anticoagulants (LA). Other prothrombin activators (from the taipan, Australian brown snake and saw-scaled viper) have now been used to assay LA. Protein C and activated protein C resistance can be measured by means of RVV and Protac ®, a fast acting inhibitor from Southern copperhead snake venom and von Willebrand factor can be studied with botrocetin ® from Bothrops jararaca venom. The disintegrins, a large family of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing snake venom proteins, show potential for studying platelet glycoprotein receptors, notably, GPIIb/IIIa and Ib. Snake venom toxins affecting haemostasis are also used in the therapeutic setting: Ancrod (from the Malayan pit viper, Calloselasma rhodostoma), in particular, has been used as an anticoagulant to achieve ‘therapeutic defibrination’. Other snake venom proteins show promise in the treatment of a range of haemostatic disorders.

Diagnostic Uses of Snake Venom

Snake venom toxins are invaluable for the assay of coagulation factors and for the study of haemostasis generally. Thrombin-like enzymes (SVTLE) are used for fibrinogen and fibrinogen breakdown product assays as well as detecting dysfibrinogenaemias. Since SVTLE are not inhibited by heparin, they can be used for assaying antithrombin III in samples containing heparin. Snake venom prothrombin activators are utilised in prothrombin assays, whilst Russell’s viper venom (RVV) can be used to assay clotting factors V, VII, X and lupus anticoagulants (LA). Activators from the taipan, Australian brown snake and saw-scaled viper have also been used to assay LA. Protein C (PC) and activated PC (APC) resistance can be measured by means of RVV, Protac^TM (from Southern copperhead snake venom) and STA-Staclot (from Crotalus viridis helleri) whilst von Willebrand factor can be studied with Botrocetin^TM(Bothrops jararaca). Finally, snake venom C-type lectins and metalloproteinase disintegrins are being used to study platelet glycoprotein receptors and show great potential for use in the routine coagulation laboratory.

Pseutarin C, a Prothrombin Activator from Pseudonaja textilis Venom: Its Structural and Functional Similarity to Mammalian Coagulation Factor Xa-Va Complex

Several snake venoms contain procoagulant proteins that can activate prothrombin. We have purified pseutarin C, a prothrombin activator from the venom of the Australian brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis). It converts prothrombin to thrombin by cleaving both the peptide bonds Arg(274)-Thr(275) and Arg(323)-Ile(324), similar to mammalian factor Xa. It is a protein complex (approximately 250 Kd) consisting of an enzymatic and a non- enzymatic subunit. These subunits were separated by reverse phase HPLC and their interactions with bovine factor Xa and factor Va were studied. The enzymatic subunit of pseutarin C has an approximately 13 fold higher affinity for bovine factor Va (K(d) of 11.4 nM for pseutarin C enzymatic subunit--bovine factor Va interaction as compared to a K(d) of 147.4 nM for the bovine factor Xa-Va interaction). The non-enzymatic component, however, was unable to activate bovine factor Xa. N-terminal sequence analysis of the catalytic subunit of pseutarin C showed approximately 60% homology to mammalian factor Xa and approximately 78% homology to trocarin, a group D prothrombin activator from Tropidechis carinatus venom. Structural information for the non-enzymatic subunit of pseutarin C was obtained by amino terminal sequencing of several internal peptides. The sequence data obtained indicates that the non-enzymatic subunit of pseutarin C has similar domain architecture like the mammalian factor Va and the overall homology is approximately 55%. Thus pseutarin C is the first venom procoagulant protein that is structurally and functionally similar to mammalian factor Xa-Va complex.

Use of snake venom fractions in the coagulation laboratory.

Snake venom toxins are now regularly used in the coagulation laboratory for assaying haemostatic parameters and as coagulation reagents. Snake venom thrombin-like enzymes (SVTLE) are used for fibrinogen and fibrinogen breakdown product assay as well as detecting dysfibrinogenaemias. Significantly, because SVTLE are not inhibited by heparin, they can be used for defibrinating samples that contain the anticoagulant before assay of haemostatic variables. Prothrombin activators are found in many snake venoms and are used in prothrombin assays, for studying dysprothrombinaemias and preparing meizothrombin and non-enzymic prothrombin. Russell's viper (Daboia russelli) venom (RVV) contains a number of compounds useful in the assay of factors V, VII, X, platelet factor 3 and lupus anticoagulants. Activators from the taipan, Australian brown snake and saw-scaled viper have been used to assay lupus anticoagulants. Protein C and activated protein C resistance can be measured by means of RVV and Protac, a fast acting inhibitor from Southern copperhead snake venom and von Willebrand factor can be studied with Botrocetin from Bothrops jararaca venom. Finally, phospholipase A2 enzymes and the disintegrins, a family of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing proteins found in snake venoms, show great potential for the study of haemostasis including, notably, platelet glycoprotein receptors GPIIb/IIIa and Ib.

A novel serine protease inhibitor from the Australian brown snake, Pseudonaja textilis textilis: Inhibition kinetics

A 7kDa protein component, isolated from the venom of the Australian brown snake, Pseudonaja textilis textilis, was found to be an inhibitor of the serine protease plasmin. Its mode of action, inhibitory efficiency and specificity were determined, and compared with those displayed by aprotinin (a Kunitz inhibitor). Using aprotinin as a model small protein protease inhibitor, and with plasmin as the enzyme, the observed slow-onset inhibition was consistent with the two-stage reversible mechanism, E+IEIEI′. Formation of the initial complex (EI) was fast, but binding was relatively loose with an initial K=3.78 nM, while transition from EI to EI′, was slow, and binding was tight, with a final K′=53.2 pM. With snake inhibitor, and in contrast to the above standard mechanism, the observed inhibition was consistent with a competitive, single-stage reversible mechanism, prior to cleavage of the inhibitor to an inactive product. Plasmin and trypsin bound the snake inhibitor via this mechanism, with K values of 0.15 μM and 0.30 μM, respectively. Snake protein concentrations up to 1.0 μM failed to inhibit a number of serine proteases, including recombinant two-chain tissue plasminogen activator, high molecular weight urokinase (55 kDa), α thrombin, elastase and α chymotrypsin. Results demonstrate that the small protein protease inhibitor from the Australian brown snake does not act via the standard slow, tight-binding mechanism common to other small protein serine protease inhibitors.

Studies on the procoagulant from the venom of Australian brown snakes (Pseudonaja spp.): V. Williams, 1J. White2 and P. Mirtschin3 ( 1Haematology Department, and 2State Toxinology Services, Adelaide Children's Hospital, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia; and 3Venom Supplies, Tanunda SA, Australia)

Studies on the procoagulant from the venom of Australian brown snakes (Pseudonaja spp.): V. Williams, 1J. White2 and P. Mirtschin3 ( 1Haematology Department, and 2State Toxinology Services, Adelaide Children's Hospital, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia; and 3Venom Supplies, Tanunda SA, Australia)