Effect of snake venom on nucleic acids and total proteins in various normal and cancerous animal tissues

ABSTRACT

Venoms have occasional medical uses. This study was carried out to determine effect of cobra snake venom on nucleic acid and total proteins in various normal and cancerous animal tissues. In this in vitro study the venom with varying concentrations was incubated with homogenates of liver, heart and kidney of normal tissues. Reduction in RNA / DNA levels was observed. Our results indicate that nucleic acids are more sensitive. However the effect of snake venom on normal skin tissue was insignificant when compared with cancerous tissue. The dose response curve shows that the lowest concentration of venom at 25 micro g / ml [a survival dose] produced maximum inhibition of both nucleic acids. The opposite and linear response was observed in protein contents. It can be assumed from the present study that the venom might have therapeutic effect at a dose of 25 micro g /ml in cancerous tissues