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Related Experiment Videos

Subspecific variations in Agkistrodon contortrix venoms.

J B Moran1, C R Geren

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701.

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. B, Comparative Biochemistry
|January 1, 1979
PubMed
Summary

Northern copperhead venom exhibits unique neurotoxic and procoagulant activities not found in other subspecies. These findings highlight significant biochemical differences in Agkistrodon contortrix venoms.

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Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Biochemistry
  • Herpetology

Background:

  • Copperhead snake venoms (Agkistrodon contortrix) are complex biological mixtures.
  • Understanding subspecies-specific variations in venom composition is crucial for antivenom development and clinical management of envenomations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the toxicity, enzymatic activities, neurotoxic effects, and procoagulant capacities of commercially available venoms from three copperhead subspecies.
  • To identify distinct biochemical profiles among Northern, Southern, and Broad-banded copperhead venoms.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of venom toxicity and enzymatic activities.
  • Assessment of neurotoxic effects on a nerve-muscle preparation.
  • Evaluation of procoagulant activity using fibrinogen solutions and plasma.

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  • Electrophoretic analysis to determine venom protein profiles.

    • Main Results:

    • Northern copperhead venom demonstrated potent neurotoxic activities absent in Broad-banded and only partially present in Southern copperhead venom.
    • Procoagulant activity was observed in whole Northern copperhead venom without added calcium, while present only in isolated fractions of Southern and Broad-banded venoms.
    • Significant differences in enzyme activity levels and electrophoretic patterns were identified among the three venom types.

    Conclusions:

    • The study reveals distinct biochemical and functional disparities between Agkistrodon contortrix subspecies venoms.
    • Northern copperhead venom possesses unique neurotoxic and calcium-independent procoagulant properties.
    • These variations underscore the importance of subspecies-specific characterization for effective envenomation treatment strategies.