Haemorrhagic Factors from Snake Venoms II. Structures of Haemorrhagic Factors and Types and Mechanisms of Haemorrhage

It was revealed that almost all snake venom haemorrhagic factors (HFs) are metalloproteinases. Analysis of primary structures of HFs revealed that they share multi-domain structures. And they are divided into four major classes. These HFs damaged the micro blood vessel walls and cause local haemorrhage. Some HFs cause systemic, organ specific and species specific haemorrhage. This review describes the structures of HFs and autoproteolysis of HFs. Types and mechanisms of haemorrhage caused by HFs are also described.