Inhibition of human platelet aggregation by L-amino acid oxidase purified from Naja naja kaouthia venom

Yoshihiko Sakurai, Hideo Takatsuka, Akira Yoshioka, Taei Matsui, Masami Suzuki, Koiti Titani, Yoshihiro Fujimura

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

L-Amino acid oxidase (LAO) widely exists in snake venoms. Purification of LAO from the Naja naja kaouthia (monocellate cobra) venom has been reported (Tan and Swaminathan, 1992), but its structural characterization and physiological function remained to be determined. The function of snake venom LAOs in hemostasis, especially their effect on platelet aggregation, has been controversial. We determined the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the N. n. kaouthia LAO named K-LAO to be DDRRSPLEECFQQNDYEEFLEIAKNGLKKTxNPKHVXxV (38 residues). The protein data base search revealed that the enzyme had high similarities with other snake venom LAOs. Further, platelet aggregation studies revealed that K-LAO functionally did not induce platelet aggregation in a platelet-rich plasma system, but that it inhibited platelet aggregation induced by agonists such as ADP, collagen and ristocetin in a dose-dependent manner. K-LAO diminished platelet aggregation more intensely under low than high shear stress. This inhibitory activity of K-LAO on either ristocetin-induced or shear-induced platelet aggregation was quenched by addition of catalase. These results indicate that K-LAO functions as an inhibitor to platelet aggregation through the formation of hydrogen peroxide. The enzyme may contribute to the development of a severe hematological disorder due to cobra envenomation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1827-1833
Number of pages7
JournalToxicon
Volume39
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2001

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Toxicology

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