Monomer: shows cytolytic activity (apoptosis is induced in C2C12 cells, but no cytotoxicity is observed on INS-1E) (PubMed:18381281, PubMed:22807058). In addition, this toxin shows insulinotropic activity that may be mediated by the modulation of potassium channels (Kv) (PubMed:22807058). It induces the increase of intracellular calcium release (PubMed:24552570). It induces insulin secretion from rat INS-1E cells in absence and in presence of glucose, without affecting cell viability and integrity (PubMed:22807058). In presence of glucose, the insulinotropic activity is increased, suggesting a possible synergistic effect with glucose (PubMed:22807058). Its insulinotropic activity does not involve GLP-1R signaling (PubMed:22807058, PubMed:24552570). Heterodimer: has no cytolytic activity, but retains most of the alpha-cobratoxin capacity to compete with alpha-bungarotoxin for binding to Torpedo and alpha-7/CHRNA7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) as well as to Lymnea stagnalis acetylcholine-binding protein. Monomer, or heterodimer with alpha-cobratoxin (AC P01391); disulfide-linked. Expressed by the venom gland. LD(100) is 0.75 mg/kg by intravenous injection and 2.25 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection. This toxin does not induce direct hemolysis of human erythrocytes and it also does not induce potent vasoconstriction. Is classified as a S-type cytotoxin, since a serine residue stands at position 28 (Ser-29 in standard classification). Belongs to the snake three-finger toxin family. Short-chain subfamily. Type IA cytotoxin sub-subfamily.