Measurement of hyaluronidase enzyme activity in venom of Iranian Vipera lebetina.

Background and Objective: Snake venoms comprise complex mixtures of enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins and small organic compounds. Hyaluronidase is a constant factor in the venom of the snake and is known as a spreading factor.  This factor facilitate spread of toxins that harm into the blood circulation system. In this paper, we describe the determination of hyaluronidase activity in Iranian Vipera lebetina venom. Subjects and Methods: Hyaluronidase activity was assayed turbidometrically on hyaluronic acid. Turbidity reducing activity was expressed as a percentage of the hydrolysed hyaluronate, taking the absorbance of a tube as 100% in which no enzyme was added. Bovin testis hyaluronidase was used as standard. Results: The optima PH and temperature for hyaluronidase maximum activity was 6 and 37 °C respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion the Iranian Vipera lebetina venom possessed considerable hyaluronidase activity.