RESUMO
Three fractions (F1, F2 and F3) were obtained from the venom of the Egyptian cobra Naja haje by gel filtration. F1 and F2 had indirect hemolytic effects on rabbit erytrocytes. The HU50 (the amount of the fraction causing 50 per cent hemolysis) values of F1 and F2 were 12.04 ñ 3.89 and 36.57 ñ 2.20 ug, respectively. The effects of the three cobra venom fractions on lipid metabolism were studied after 1, 2 3 and 4 hours. Serum total lipids and cholesterol were significantly decreased at almost all tested times, but variable changes were observed in the serum triglycerides. Serum inorganic phosphorus levels were significantly increased with F1 and F2 administration more than that with the F3 fraction. These results suggest that F1 and F2 possess phospholipase A2-like activities and their effects on the lipid metabolism is more intense than that of F3.