A Comprehensive Study Monitoring the Venom Composition and the Effects of the Venom of the Rare Ethiopian Endemic Snake Species .

The Ethiopian endemic snake of the species recognized for its colorful patterns, might be more interesting as we look deeper into the venom activity. We assayed the effects of venoms from the most widespread venomous African and closely related species using The Hen's Egg Test-Chorioallantoic membrane test (HET-CAM) and Chicken embryotoxicity screening test (CHEST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) analysis, cytotoxicity assay performed on cell lines and protein analysis of selected venoms. Our results indicated that venom contains vasoactive compounds that have a direct effect on blood vessels. The AChE analysis showed significant ability inhibiting AChE activity in embryonic tissue. Cytotoxicity observed on A549 ATCC CCL-185™ cells indicates the possible presence of cytotoxic agents in venom. We proved previously described differences in the composition of venom obtained from and by using electrophoresis and total protein concentration. Based on similarities in vasoactive effects observed after administration of venoms onto a chicken chorioallantoic membrane, we suggest that venom from and might share certain venom proteins responsible for haemotoxicity. The main active components of venom are unknown. Our results suggest that it might be worth performing proteomic analysis of venom as it might contain medically valuable compounds.