STUDIES ON HABU SNAKE VENOM

2c. STUDIES ON Hβ-PROTEINASE OF HABU VENOM

Abstract

1) Hβ-proteinase from Habu venom was purified by a chromatographic technique. The enzyme thus obtained is homogeneous by ultracentrifugation.
2) The proteinase was completely inhibited by metal-chelating agents, such as EDTA, o-phenanthroline, and KCN. The action of EDTA was reversed by the addition of some divalent metals. It may be, therefore, that the divalent metals are involved in enzyme action or stability.
3) Hβ-proteinase caused significant myolysis with hemorrhage. These pathological lesions could be caused by proteinases from other sources, such as Pronase and Nagarse.