Isolation of a Postsynaptic Blocker from the Venom of the Green Mamba, Dendroaspis Angusticeps

A blocker of postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors was isolated from venom of the Eastern green mamba Dendroaspis angusticeps, by gel filtration, ion-exchange and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The isolated component blocks neuromuscular transmission and responses to exogenously applied acetylcholine in isolated chick biventer cervices preparations. These results suggest that postsynaptic blockers exist in venoms of all members of the Dendroaspis genus.