The Amino‐Acid Sequence of a Polypeptide from the Venom of Dendroaspis viridis

Abstract

The primary structure of a major polypeptide component from the venom of Dendroaspis viridis has been determined unambiguously. The molecule (60 amino acids, four disulphide bridges) closely resembles a relatively non‐toxic component of the venom of Dendroaspis angusticeps. The pharmacological effects of neither of these are understood. The component from Dendroaspis viridis does not block neuromuscular transmission in frogs, is without effect on the excitatory or inhibitor actions of acetylcholine on snail neurons and does not appear to be a lytic factor. Copyright © 1974, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved