Geographical variation of biological properties of Russell's viper venom: Bago Division

ABSTRACT

Biological properties of Russell's viper venom from four localities (Tharyarwaddy, Lepadan, Waw and Daike-U) of Bago Division were studied according to WHO recommended methods. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis of venoms were also performed. Biological properties of venom of young adults (61-90 cm) and adults (91-120 cm) of each locality were comparable except venom of young adult vipers of Tharyarwaddy possessed weak coagulant activity and that of adult vipers of Waw has potent haemorrhagic and necrotic activities.The adult viper venom of Tharyarwaddy was two times more potent in defibrinogenating and three times in capillary permeability activities than venom ofadult vipers of Lepadan. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis of venoms shows quantitative and qualitative differences in protein bands.