Snake venoms are complex mixtures of toxic peptides and proteins used for self-defense and food acqusition.  Snake venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is among the most toxic of the major proteins found in venom.  PLA2 enzymes are esterolytic enzymes that hydrolyze glycerophospholipids releasing free fatty acids and the remaining lysophospolipids, which cause immobilization of prey.  This study investigates the relative PLA2 activities among several snake species.  PLA2 activity was assayed titrimetrically in venom samples using a published procedure (Berg OG et al. Biochemistry 1991; 30:7283-7297.) that was extensively modified and miniaturized to work with small venom sample volumes.  The resulting data show significant variation in PLA2 activity among the snake species tested.  The relative levels of PLA2 activity and the known physiological effects resulting from envenomation by these snake species are correlated.

Comparison of phospholipase enzyme activity in various snake species

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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