Inhibition of catalase in human erythrocytes by Egyptian snake venoms

ABSTRACT

Cerastes cerastes, Cerastes vipera and Naje haje snake venoms were to inhibit human erythrocyte catalase in vitro. Increasing the venom concentration catalase showed progressive inhibition of catalase activity. Increasing the incubation time period had no effect on the enzyme inhibition caused by each venoms. No change in catalase inhibition of catalase by dialysed venom was nearly the same, compared to crude venom inhibition. Acetone extract of venom had no effect on catalase activity, while the acetone precipitate was responsible for the catalase inhibition. EDTA caused inhibition of RBC's catalase by 28.5% at 0.25 mM concentration. Inhibitory effect of EDTA and venom on catalase activity was potentiated after boiling. The different fractions of Cerastes vipera venom obtained from Sephadex G100 [fine] were tested. The third peak was considered the main inhibitor for catalase