A Study of the Coagulant Action of Eight Snake Venoms^[*]

Summary

An investigation of the eight coagulant snake venoms has revealed the presence in three of these of both a direct thrombin-like activity and the ability to produce a powerful prothrombin activator from factor X in the presence of phospholipid and factor V. The use of antivenom prepared against the venoms indicated that the active principles were antigenically distinct in the genera studied but that some species cross reaction occurred.

^* Received the following grants: 1. British Council Bursary; 2. Research Fund of Instituto Butantan grant; 3. Campanha Nacional de Aperfeicoa Mento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (Capes) -grant.

^** Present address: Instituto Butantan, Caixa Postal 65, S. Paulo, Brazil.

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