The fractionation of Russell's-viper (<i>Vipera russellii</i>) venom with special reference to the coagulant protein

Abstract

Russell's-viper venom accelerates the coagula- tion of blood, even at very high dilutions, and requires Ca2+ ions (Macfarlane & Biggs, Douglas & Macfarlane (1953) showed that preincubation of venom with serum and platelets resulted in a progressive increase in coagulant activity. Peden & Peacock (1958) found that ox serum was particu- larly active in potentiating the coagulant activity of the venom, and suggested that the venom acted enzymically on a substrate contained in the serum. The serum factor can be partially purified by adsorption on barium sulphate and elution by 0-2m-citrate (Macfarlane, 1961). By using a specific antiserum to inhibit the venom, Macfarlane (1961) obtained further evidence suggesting that the venom acted enzymically on a serum component to form an actively coagulant product.