Studies on ribonucleic acid synthesis in the venom glands of <i>Vipera palaestinae</i> (Ophidia, Reptilia)

Abstract

RNA metabolism in the venom glands of Vipera palaestinae was studied at different stages after manual extraction of the venom (milking). The rate of 32P incorporation into gland RNA was found to be maximal at 1–4 days after milking in correlation with the height of the secretory epithelium. Venom production attained a maximum only after 8–16 days, in parallel with the accumulation of stable species of cellular RNA.