Abstract
Abstract Snake venom metalloprotease (SVMP) found in the past is mostly in the hemorrhagic snake venom. Several recent reports indicate that SVMP may also be present in snake venom known to mainly perturb nerve systems. Most of them are found in cobra venom. The function of SVMP in cobra is mainly concerned with immune system and Hemostatic system. Belonging to one of two system, Cobrin is regarded to be related to complement system which triggers inflammation, Kaouthiagin reacts with von Willebrand factor, vWF, in Hemostatic system, and Mocarhagin is able to digest PSGL-1 of neutrophils and GPIbα of platelet. PSGL-1 is an important ligand which affect each type of neutrophils to enter endothelial surface. Furthermore, GPIbα has the ability to bind with vWF. In this thesis we screen the possible existence of SVMP in Taiwan Cobra by monitoring fibrinogenolytic activity. A new SVMP with Mocarhagin-like activity, but with Cobrin-like sequence, is identified. This protein contains Ca2+ and Zn2+ with molar ratio of about 3 to 1. Taiwan SVMP exhibits stronger protease activity against sulfated PSGL-1 than non-sulfated one. It is suggested that SVMP from Taiwan Cobra functions by perturbing the rolling and adhesion of neutrophils at the site of inflammation.