Asynchrony in the synthesis of secretory proteins in the venom gland of the snake Vipera palaestinae

Abstract

1. Venom of Vipera palastinae was subjected to isoelectrofocusing on polyacrylamide gel. The protein separation profiles were similar for different venom samples; more than 25 protein bands with a wide range of pI values could be demonstrated by this technique. 2. Labelled venom was obtained 8h after an intracardial injection of [3H]leucine. The relative radioactivities of four out of 12 main protein bands were significantly different in the venom synthesized during the 2nd day of the venom regeneration cycle as compared with the venom of the 4th day. The comparison was made in venom samples obtained from the two glands of the same snake at two different secretory stages. 3. It is concluded that the asynchronous synthesis of exportable proteins after the initiation of a new venom regeneration cycle is responsible for the non-parallel secretion of some venom proteins by the venom gland of Vipera palaestinae during the first few days after milking.