Variation in biological properties of russell's viper venoms of Magwe division

ABSTRACT

Biological properties of Russell's viper venoms form two locallities (Kokekogwa, Taungdwingyi and Myehte) of Magwe division were studied in rodents according to WHO recommended techniques. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis of venoms was also carried out. Adult viper venom of Taungdwingyi possesses potent lethality and defibrinogenating activities and is more haemorrhagic and necrotic than venom of ypung viper. It's lethality, procoagulant and capillary permeability increasing activities are more potent than Myehte venom but the latter is slightly more haemorrhagic and necrotic than the former. In SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, qualitative and quantitative differences in protein bands were observed. It may be concluded that venoms of Magwe division have weak procoagulant and potent defibrinogenating activities and biological properties of venom of adult viper of Taungdwingyi is more potent than that of young viper.