Hemostatic changes due to the venom gland extract of the red-necked keelback snake (Rhabdophis subminiatus)

Abstract

After a bite by the aglyphous red-necked keelback snake Rhabdophis subminiatus a complete defibrinogenation syndrome with severe hemorrhagic diathesis developed in a 25-year-old man. In vitro studies showed that the venom gland extract of the snake contains a very active prothrombin (Factor II) activator. The thrombin generated is inhibited neither by antithrombin III nor the antithrombin-III-heparin complex. The venom gland extract stimulated also the tissue plasminogen activator; however, it did not cause direct activation of plasminogen, protein C, Factor X or direct degradation of fibrinogen.