ABSTRACT
There have been intensive investigations performed on viperid venoms in order to understand the biochemical and physiological bases for the severe pathologies associated with envenomation by these snakes. One group of toxins in these venoms, the snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), has received particular attention due to their association with several prominent symptoms, most notably local and systemic hemorrhage. In this chapter we discuss some of the basic principles of the structure and function of SVMPs and highlight recent developments, which have elucidated some of the mechanisms underlying the function of these toxins. We provide a concise discussion of recent developments leading to the current understanding of key aspects of SVMPs but will not attempt an in-depth review of these metalloproteinases (see recent review: Fox and Serrano, 2005). Instead, we concentrate on critical and signicant advances in the understanding of this fascinating group of toxins.
