The primary structure of the toxin Laticauda semifasciata III, a weak and reversibly acting neurotoxin from the venom of a sea snake, Laticauda semifasciata

Abstract

A weak and reversibly acting neurotoxic protein of Laticauda semifasciata venom, Laticauda semifasciata III (component LsIII), was sequenced. Component LsIII consists of 66 amino acid residues and has five disulphide bridges, one of which was located between residues 26 and 30. The weak and reversible neurotoxicity of component LsIII is discussed in relation to its structure, which falls between those of the neuro- and cardiotoxins of sea snakes and Elapidae snakes isolated and sequenced so far.