Evaluation of individual variability in the composition of Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix venom by means of HPLC and two-dimensional PAGE.

Qualitative and quantitative differences of coagulant enzymes in venom samples from individuals of the Agkistrodon c.c. were studied by means of 2D-PAGE and high performance anion-exchange chromatography. A great diversity was found among individual venoms. The two most similar venoms had an identical composition in only about 90%, the least similar ones in about 45% spots. All venoms studied contained more than two fractions with fibrinolytic activity. In three out of the nine analysed venoms two different thrombic proteases were present, one venom contained only one of these enzymes, whereas in five venoms no thrombic activity was detectable.