The effect of cleavage by a Crotalus atrox alpha-proteinase fraction on the properties of C1-inhibitor.

The effect of cleavage of C1-inhibitor at Pro36 by a Crotalus atrox alpha-proteinase fraction on the properties of this serpin was studied. This truncated C1-inhibitor (des 1-36) was fully active as an inhibitor of kallikrein, beta-factor XIIa, and C1s, and modulated the functions of C1 in a normal manner. Also, the half-life of the truncated protein in the circulation of rabbits, both alone and in complex with C1, was not altered. These results show that shock-like symptoms caused by C. atrox envenomation are not attributable to a deficiency in C1-inhibitor caused by the action of the metalloproteinase in the alpha-proteinase fraction.