Carcinogenesis, Teratogenesis & Mutagenesis ›› 2006, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (6): 472-474.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-616x.2006.06.016

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Mutagenicity of Short-chain Neurotoxin from Naja Atra Venom

LIU Chang-li, WEI Chuan-bao   

  1. (Chemistry and Life Science Department, Western Anhui University, Liuan 237012,China)
  • Received:2005-11-12 Revised:2006-05-09 Online:2006-11-30 Published:2006-11-30
  • Contact: LIU Chang-li

Abstract: 【ABSTRACT】 BACKGROUND & AIM: Sort-chain neurotoxin from Naja atra venom is used clinically for analgesia and the drug is a mixture of several kinds of proteins. In this paper, pure short-chain neurotoxin was obtained and its safety and mutagenicity at high concentration was evaluated for clinical application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The potential mutagenicity of the short-chian neurotoxin was studied by Ames test and CHL chromosome aberration test. RESULTS: Ames test was positive at neurotoxin concentration over 0.64 μg/ml and CHL chromosome aberration test was positive at neurotoxin concentration higher than 0.32 μg/ml. Back mutation rate and chromosome aberration rate treated with neurotoxin were much lower than the positive control groups and there was no linear relationship between mutation rate, chromosome aberration rate and neurotoxin concentration. CONCLUSION: If mutagenesis was considered as an important factor, then short-chain neurotoxin was safe as a drug.

Key words: naja atra, short-chain neurotoxin, Ames test, chromosome aberration

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