effect of fast neutrons on the molecular structure of Cerastes cerastes snake venom and on its toxic properties

ABSTRACT

This study was to investigate the effect of three neutron fluencies, 3 10[6], 25 10[7] and a 3 10[8] n/cm[2] respectively from Cf252 source of fission neutrons on the subunit molecular weights of Cerastes cerastes snake venom by using [SDS] polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique, Moreover, the dielectric relaxation of the total serum protein extracted from the rats injected with 0.22 mg Kg[-1] body weight of un- and irradiated venom, respectively, were also measured in the frequency range 0.1 - 5 MHz at 4 ?C. Also, the absorption spectra of the extracted total serum protein were determined at the wavelength range 200-600 mm. The results indicated that irradiation with even low doses of fast neutrons changed the molecular structure of the venom molecules. This is because of the observed aggregation and generation of lower molecular weight products. Further, the molecular constructions of the total serum protein, such as the average molecular radii, shape, the relaxation time and dielectric increment showed pronounced changes for the rats injected with unirradiated venom but for the rats injected with irradiated venom [3 10[8] n/cm[2] the corresponding values approach the values of the control rats. These changes in the molecular structure of the irradiated venom indicates changes in its biochemical components. Such changes, together with the fact that the construction of the total serum protein approaches the control sample, outweigh the decrease of the toxicity of the venom as a results of the irradiation process