湖南永州尖吻蝮蛇蛇毒的蛋白组分及毒性分析

采用Nano–LC–ESI–MS/MS蛋白鉴定技术对湖南永州尖吻蝮蛇蛇毒蛋白组分进行质谱分析,应用常规体外试管法对尖吻蝮蛇蛇毒体外溶血值进行检测,采用改良寇式法对尖吻蝮蛇蛇毒LD_(50)进行测定。结果显示:尖吻蝮蛇蛇毒含有50种蛋白,蛋白相对分子质量集中在1.0×10~4～2.0×10~4(46.9%)、4.0×10~4～5.0×10~4(22.4%)、2.0×10~4～3.0×10~4(10.6%)和7.0×10~4～8.0×10~4(7.6%),其中代表性的高丰度蛋白有蛇毒金属蛋白酶A(11.7%)、蛇毒金属蛋白酶H1(9.8%)、蕲蛇类凝血酶–2(7.3%)、抗凝血酶A–A亚基(6.8%),低丰度蛋白(0.1%)有Ecto–5'–核苷酸酶、碱性磷脂酶A2 DAV–N6、生长分化因子11;蛇毒引起红细胞溶血的最低质量浓度为60.00μg/mL,尖吻蝮蛇蛇毒对KM小鼠的LD_(50)为7.1796mg/kg,攻毒小鼠出现呼吸急促、躁动不安、注射部位出现奇特瘙痒和大面积溃烂,至死亡。     

AsKC11, a Kunitz Peptide from Anemonia sulcata,Is a Novel Activator of G Protein-Coupled Inward-Rectifier Potassium Channels

(1) Background: G protein-coupled inward-rectifier potassium (GIRK) channels, especially neuronal GIRK1/2 channels, have been the focus of intense research interest for developing drugs against brain diseases. In this context, venom peptides that selectively activate GIRK channels can be seen as a new source for drug development. Here, we report on the identification and electrophysiological characterization of a novel activator of GIRK1/2 channels, AsKC11, found in the venom of the sea anemone Anemonia sulcata. (2) Methods: AsKC11 was purified from the sea anemone venom by reverse-phase chromatography and the sequence was identified by mass spectrometry. Using the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique, the activity of AsKC11 on GIRK1/2 channels was studied and its selectivity for other potassium channels was investigated. (3) Results: AsKC11, a Kunitz peptide found in the venom of A. sulcata, is the first peptide shown to directly activate neuronal GIRK1/2 channels independent from Gi/o protein activity, without affecting the inward-rectifier potassium channel (IRK1) and with only a minor effect on K_V1.6 channels. Thus, AsKC11 is a novel activator of GIRK channels resulting in larger K⁺ currents because of an increased chord conductance. (4) Conclusions: These discoveries provide new insights into a novel class of GIRK activators.     

Atrioventricular valvular insufficiency and congestive heart failure in a carpet python

Right atrioventricular valve insufficiency and bilateral congestive heart failure were identified in a carpet python (Morelia spilota variegata) with the aid of colour Doppler echocardiography, electrocardiography and radiography. The snake failed to respond to diuretic therapy and was euthanased. Based on this case, it appears that bilateral congestive failure is feasible in univentricular animals with lesions restricted to one side of the heart. Loop diuretic therapy may be inappropriate in non-crocodilian reptiles because reptiles lack a loop of Henle.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF BALL PYTHONS (Python regius) IN CURLED RECUMBENCY

Anesthesia and tube restraint methods are often required for computed tomography (CT) of snakes due to their natural tendency to curl up. However, these restraint methods may cause animal stress. The aim of this study was to determine whether the CT appearance of the lungs differs for ball pythons in a curled position vs. tube restraint. Whole body CT was performed on ten clinically healthy ball pythons, first in curled and then in straight positions restrained in a tube. Curved multiplanar reformatted (MPR) lung images from curled position scans were compared with standard MPR lung images from straight position scans. Lung attenuation and thickness were measured at three locations for each scan. Time for positioning and scanning was 12 ± 5 min shorter for curled snakes compared to tube restraint. Lung parenchyma thickness and attenuation declined from cranial to caudal on both straight and curled position images. Mean lung parenchyma thickness was greater in curled images at locations 1 (P = 0.048) and 3 (P = 0.044). Mean lung parenchyma thickness decreased between location 1 and 2 by 86–87% (straight: curled) and between location 1 and 3 by 51‐50% (straight: curled). Mean lung attenuation at location 1 was significantly greater on curled position images than tube restraint images (P = 0.043). Findings indicated that CT evaluation of the lungs is feasible for ball pythons positioned in curled recumbency if curved MPR is available. However, lung parenchyma thickness and attenuation in some locations may vary from those acquired using tube restraint.     

意大利蜜蜂蜂毒透明质酸酶基因的克隆与序列分析

从意蜂毒腺抽提总RNA,用RT-PCR获得蜂毒透明质酸酶(AmHya)基因,其核苷酸序列全长为1 149 bp.将AmHya氨基酸序列与中蜂蜂毒透明质酸酶(AcHya)和其它5种透明质酸酶(Hya)氨基酸序列比较,结果显示,AmHya与 AcHya的同源性最高(91%),同时对7种Hya作了分子结构与分子进化分析.