Abstract

cDNAs encoding acidic phospholipases A2I and acid A2II, basic phospholipase A2 and Lys49- phospholipase A2 from Agkistrodon acutus were inserted into bacterial expression vectors and effectively expressed in E.coli RRl. Except for Lys49-phospholipase A2, the other phospholipase A2s have high enzymatic activities. Acidic phospholipas_eA2I has an inhibiting effect on platelet aggregation. All phospholipase A2s except acidic phospholipase A2II have hemolytic activities. The roles of various amino acid residues in the enzymatic, hemolytic and platelet aggregation inhibiting activities of phospholipase A2 are discussed.