Fibrinolytic and Coagulant Activities of Certain Snake Venoms and Proteases.

Abstract

Sixteen snake venoms and certain other proteases were compared as to their fibrinolytic, thrombic, thromboplastic, hemolytic and hemagglutinating properties in vitro. Venoms of the Crotalus, Bothrops and Agkistrodon groups were fibrinolytic, while those of the Cobras were not. Of the 11 venoms that lysed human blood clots, only one, C. basiliscus, was devoid of thrombic, hemolytic, and hemagglutinating properties. This venom was fibrinogenolytic as well as fibrinolytic. Fractiona-tion of a pure fibrinolytic principle may be possible. The lytic venoms, ficin, bromelain, and papain were inhibited by human serum far less than were plasmin, uroprotease, and streptokinase-plasminogen; thus the former group has a theoretical advantage over the latter in the search for an ideal clinical clot dissolving agent.