A Study of the Coagulant Action of Eight Snake Venoms

Abstract

SummaryAn investigation of the eight coagulant snake venoms has revealed the presence in three of these of both a direct thrombin-like activity and the ability to produce a powerful prothrombin activator from factor X in the presence of phospholipid and factor V. The use of antivenom prepared against the venoms indicated that the active principles were antigenically distinct in the genera studied but that some species cross reaction occurred.