Fractionation of coral snake venom: Preliminary studies on the separation and characterization of the protein fractions

Lyophilized coral snake ( Micrurus f.fulvius) venom was fractionated into six homogeneous and one heterogeneous fractions (labelled F-FVII in order of their elution) using CM-cellulose columns eluted with phosphate buffers (pH 6·0–9·0). Identification of each fraction on starch gel electrophoresis revealed that fractions I through VI migrated as homogeneous proteins. FVII was composed of four separate migrating units. All of the migrating units present in the crude venom were accounted for in the seven fractions. FIII, VI and VII each accounting for approximately 25 per cent of the recovery weight, were equally toxic, and were as toxic as the crude venom. All three possessed a strong anticoagulant activity. FIV and V present in moderate amounts, were toxic at concentrations 10 times that of the crude venom and possessed a weak anticoagulant activity. FII was toxic at concentrations 20 times that of the crude venom while FI was not toxic. All seven fractions exhibited a strong phospholipase A activity and hemolyzed red cells. None of the fractions nor the crude venom hemolyzed red cells without ovolecithin. None of the fractions or crude venom were proteolytic.