very sensitive method for estimating the concentration of crotamine in a solution was developed. This method was based on the time required for the appearance of permanent hyperextension of the rear legs of mice as a function of the dose administered. This method can be used to determine toxin doses as low as 0.32 mg/kg<img SRC="http:/img/fbpe/jvat/v3n1/image2875.gif"> . Its high specificity for crotamine means that it can be used to measure toxin concentrations in the presence of other proteins and polypeptides.
Crotalus durissus terrificus venom; crotamine; method to estimate the concentration
