INN-toxin, a highly lethal peptide from the venom of Indian cobra (Naja naja) venom—Isolation, characterization and pharmacological actions

Abstract

A novel toxic polypeptide, INN-toxin, is purified from the venom of Naja najausing combination of gel-permeation and ion-exchange chromatography. It has a molecular mass of 6951.6 Da as determined by MALDI-TOF/MS and the N-terminal sequence of LKXNKLVPLF. It showed both neurotoxic as well as cytotoxic activities. INN-toxin is lethal to mice with a LD₅₀ of 1.2 mg/kg body weight. IgY raised in chicks against basic peptide pool neutralized the toxicity of INN-toxin. INN-toxin did not inhibit cholinesterase activity. It is toxic to Ehrlich Ascites Tumor (EAT) cells, but it is not toxic to leukocyte culture. The toxin appears to be specific in its mode of action. Interaction of N-bromosuccinamide (NBS) with the peptide resulted in the modification of tryptophan residues and loss of lethal toxicity of INN-toxin.