Thromb Haemost 1961; 6(01): 118-124
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1654545
Originalarbeiten — Original Articles — Travaux Originaux
Schattauer GmbH

The Role of Calcium and Divalent Metals in the Coagulation of Blood as Induced by Russell’s Viper Venom

Renuka Banerjee
1   Chemistry Department, Calcutta University, Calcutta, and Biochemistry Department, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Calcutta, India
,
B. B Nath
1   Chemistry Department, Calcutta University, Calcutta, and Biochemistry Department, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Calcutta, India
,
Anima Devi*
1   Chemistry Department, Calcutta University, Calcutta, and Biochemistry Department, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Calcutta, India
,
N. K Sakar**
1   Chemistry Department, Calcutta University, Calcutta, and Biochemistry Department, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Calcutta, India
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 July 2018 (online)

Summary

1. The normal clotting time of plasma can be further reduced if Russell’s viper venom and calcium are preincubated and then added to the plasma instead of using them separately; the percentage of reduction in clotting time is dependent upon the time of incubation of RV venom and calcium.

2. Incubation of the venom with the plasma on the contrary destroys the thromboplastic activity of the venom; here too, the percentage loss of RV venom thromboplastic activity depends upon the time of incubation.

3. Among the many divalent metals tested such as Ba, Sr, Zn, Mg and Mn, only Ba and Sr were found to be capable of replacing Ca in the coagulation process (conversion of prothrombin to thrombin by RV venom), although they were less active than Ca when used at the same concentration range, furthermore Sr was more active than Ba.

* Research Division, Roosevelt Hospital, New York City, N. Y., U.S.A.


** Rochester University Medical School, Rochester 20; N. Y., U.S.A.