EL-Rashdy M. Redwan
Protein Research Department, GEBRI, Mubarak City for Scientific Research and Technological Application, New Borg El-Arab, Alexandria, Egypt.
The importance of
characterizing venom proteins from the Egyptian elapidae, especifically
neurotoxins, is based on the need to produce an effective antivenom.
Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to separate and identify cobra
venom proteins. About 30-50 distinct protein spots were identified on silver
stained two dimensional gels. Two-thirds of the venom proteins displayed
anionic migration and low molecular weight. The venoms from Naja haja
and Naja nigricollus showed 45-50 spots, while Walternnesia aegyptia
had 30-35 spots. VACSERA polyclonal anti-venom had a strong signal for anionic
and cationic venom protein spots with molecular weight <115 kDa. However, it
showed weak or no reactivity toward anionic low molecular weight spots
(3-15kDa). These results suggest the need to change the horse immunization
regime to include low molecular weight neurotoxin proteins.