Hannahpep: A novel fibrinolytic peptide from the Indian King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom

A novel fibrinolytic peptide (Hannahpep) was isolated and purified from the venom of the Indian King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) by thin-layer chromato graphy followed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Th e MW of the peptide was found to be 610 Ha and the amino acid sequence of H annahpep was determined to be Arg, His, Ala, Arg, His, Asp. Hannahpep produ ced defibrinogenating activity in male albino mice. It exhibited significan t fibrinolytic and fibrinogenolytic activity in vitro. Hannahpep showed pla sma-anticlotting activity. However, it lacked hemolytic, hemorrhagic, or ph ospholipase activity. This peptide may have possible therapeutic applicatio n in the management of thrombosis or occlusion of a blood vessel. (C) 1999 Academic Press.