Thromb Haemost 1982; 48(03): 277-282
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1657280
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Impairment of Platelet Aggregation by Echis colorata Venom Mediated by L-Amino Acid Oxidase or H2O2

I Nathan
The Department of Hematology, Soroka University Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Israel
,
A Dvilansky
The Department of Hematology, Soroka University Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Israel
,
T Yirmiyahu
The Department of Hematology, Soroka University Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Israel
,
M Aharon
The Department of Hematology, Soroka University Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Israel
,
A Livne
*   Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheba, Israel
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 22 December 1981

Accepted after revision 07 September 1982

Publication Date:
13 July 2018 (online)

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Summary

Echis colorata bites cause impairment of platelet aggregation and hemostatic disorders. The mechanism by which the snake venom inhibits platelet aggregation was studied. Upon fractionation, aggregation impairment activity and L-amino acid oxidase activity were similarly separated from the crude venom, unlike other venom enzymes. Preparations of L-amino acid oxidase from E.colorata and from Crotalus adamanteus replaced effectively the crude E.colorata venom in impairment of platelet aggregation. Furthermore, different treatments known to inhibit L-amino acid oxidase reduced in parallel the oxidase activity and the impairment potency of both the venom and the enzyme preparation. H2O2 mimicked characteristically the impairment effects of L-amino acid oxidase and the venom. Catalase completely abolished the impairment effects of the enzyme and the venom. It is concluded that hydrogen peroxide formed by the venom L-amino acid oxidase plays a role in affecting platelet aggregation and thus could contribute to the extended bleeding typical to persons bitten by E.colorata.