Plasma arginine-vasotocin and hydroosmotic status of the terrestrial pit viper Bothrops jararaca.

Peaks corresponding to arg-vasotocin obtained by HPLC from Sep-Pak C18 column extracts of Bothrops jararaca plasma were identified by radioimmunoassay and amino acid analysis. Plasma vasotocin and protein levels, osmolality, and L-cystine-di-beta-naphthylamidase were also compared in snakes under normal hydration conditions with or without chronic administration of vasotocin or in the presence of chronic hydroosmotic challenges. Sep-Pak C18 and radioimmunoassay were validated for the extraction and determination of this peptide, respectively (about 80% recovery).

Circulating vasotocin in the snake Bothrops jararaca.

1. There is biochemical and pharmacological evidence to suggest the presence of vasotocin in the blood and plasma of the snake Bothrops jararaca (Bj). 2.

Effect of chymotrypsin on rat blood pressure.

1. Chymotrypsin (Cht) administration (14 mg/kg, i.v.

Hydrolysis of L-cystine-di-beta-naphthylamide and neurohypophyseal peptides by the plasma of the snake Bothrops jararaca.

1. Bothrops jararaca plasma or serum hydrolysed L-cystine-di-beta-naphthylamide (CNAse activity) at a degree comparable to that of plasma or serum in pregnant women. 2.