Some effects and properties of Duvernoy's gland secretion from Hypsiglena torquata texana (Texas night snake).

The Texas night snake (Hypsiglena torquata texana), a small opisthoglyphic colubrid snake, produces a Duvernoy's secretion which has a relatively low lethal toxicity for mice, but produces pain, hemorrhage, and oedema at the site of injection. The subcutaneous LD50 of Hypsiglena torquata texana Duvernoy's secretion in Swiss-Webster mice was 26 mg/kg. Local hemorrhaging occurred at doses as low as 2.0 micrograms/mouse, while marked hemorrhage and oedema resulted at doses greater than 200 micrograms/mouse. The dry secretion contained 77% protein, and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis revealed the presence of seven major proteinaceous components.