Basic protein that binds to cell membrane and depolarizes cardiomyocytes. This cytotoxin also possesses lytic activity on many other cells, including red blood cells. Interaction with sulfatides in the cell membrane induces pore formation and cell internalization and is responsible for cytotoxicity in cardiomyocytes. It targets the mitochondrial membrane and induces mitochondrial swelling and fragmentation. Inhibits protein kinases C. It binds to the integrin alpha-V/beta-3 with a moderate affinity. Monomer in solution; Homodimer and oligomer in the presence of negatively charged lipids forming a pore with a size ranging between 20 and 30 angstroms. Expressed by the venom gland. Positive charges of Lys residues are necessary for cytolytic activity of this toxin, but not for its binding ability. Is classified as a P-type cytotoxin, since a proline residue stands at position 30 (Pro-31 in standard classification). Belongs to the snake three-finger toxin family. Short-chain subfamily. Type IA cytotoxin sub-subfamily. The venom of this snake was originally thought to be that of N.nigricollis while it is really from N.pallida.