Venom production in snake venom gland cells cultured in vitro

The venom gland cells from a Ghanaian specimen of Bitis gabonica were established in tissue culture for over seven months. During this time the cells maintained their original morphology and divided actively. Tests for the synthesis of venom using an immuno peroxidase technique (on the cells) were strongly positive and tests for the secretion of venom into tissue culture medium using ELISA suggested secreted venom levels of at least 200 ng/ml culture fluid. The B. gabonica specimen used for these studies was designated BG5 and we propose to refer to this venom gland cell culture as BG5.