Viperidae Family (viperidae + family)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Proteomics of snake venoms from Elapidae and Viperidae families by multidimensional chromatographic methods

ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 16 2003
Jiraporn Nawarak
Abstract Snake venoms contain a large number of biologically active substances and the venom components are very useful for pharmaceutical applications. Our goal is to separate and identify components of snake venoms in ten snake species from the Elapidae and Viperidae families using multidimensional chromatographic methods. The multidimensional chromatographic methods include reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), lab-on-a-chip, two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), and mass spectrometry. The venoms of eight snake species demonstrated major differences in hydrophobicity, molecular weight separations, and 2-DE protein distribution patterns. The 2-DE images showed major differences between families, within each family and even between the same species. Venoms of the Elapidae family showed many basic proteins with a wide range of molecular weights, while venoms of the Viperidae family showed wide ranges of pI and molecular weights, especially for Trimeresurus sp. The multidimensional chromatographic methods revealed specific differences in venom proteins intra-species as well as between species and families. We have isolated and identified proteins that may be unique for each species for further studies in the proteome of snake venoms and their potentially use in the pharmaceutical applications. [source]


Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers in the adder, Vipera berus

MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 1 2003
M. Carlsson
Abstract Microsatellite DNA markers can yield sufficient resolution for individual identification as well as provide genetic information on a larger, interpopulational scale. Here we present details on six microsatellite primer pairs developed for the adder, Vipera berus. The number of alleles found varied between 2 and 38 per locus. The objectives behind developing these markers included assessment both of paternity and population histories from different parts of the species' range. Cross-species amplification indicated that these markers may also be useful for studies of other species within the Viperidae family. [source]


Clinical characteristics of children with snakebite poisioning and management of complications in the pediatric intensive care unit

PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 6 2005
Gonca Ozay
AbstractBackground:,Venomous snakebite is an emergency condition with high morbidity and mortality in childhood. Nearly all venomous snakes in Turkey are members of the Viperidae family and show poisonous local and hematotoxic effects. Methods:,A total of 77 children (mean age 9.9 ± 2.9 years; age range 3,14 years) with venomous snakebites were investigated. General characteristics of the children, species of the snakes, localization of the bite, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment approaches, complications and prognosis were evaluated. Results:,The male to female ratio was 1.4. Ninety-one per cent of cases were from rural areas. Most of the bites were seen in May and June. Mean duration between snakebites and admissions to our department was 13 ± 6.5 h. According to a clinical grading score, 57.1% of patients presented to us as grade II. Mean leukocyte count, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine phosphokinase and protrombin time levels were above the normal ranges and mean activated partial tromboplastin time was below the normal range. Platelet counts inversely correlated with the grading score and duration of hospitalization. The most common complication that occurred during the treatment was tissue necrosis (13%). The mean hospital stay time was 6.3 ± 6 days. Three children with disseminated intravascular coagulation died. Fasciotomies were performed to seven (9.1%) children due to compartment syndrome. Of 10 children with tissue necrosis, three (3.9%) had finger amputation and seven (9.1%) had toe amputation. Higher grading score on admission, platelet count below 120 000/mm3, AST over 50 IU/L and existence of evident ecchymosis were found as significant risk factors for development of serious complications by logistic regression analysis. Conclusions:,Snakebite poisoning is an emergency medical condition that is particularly important in childhood. The envenomations are still considerable public health problems with a high morbidity and mortality in rural areas of Turkey. [source]