Objective:To investigate the distribution of defibrase(DF)from Deinagkistrodon acutus venom in gastrointestinal tract and the change of plasma fibrinogen concentration in SD rats.Methods:After intragastric administration of DF from Deinagkistrodon acutus venom to SD rats,the signs of rats were observed and the acute toxicity of DF to rats was detected.Immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELI-SA)were used to detect the distribution of DF from Deinagkistrodon acutus venom in rat gastrointestinal tract and its dose-effect relationship and time-effect relationship with fibrinogen.Results:After intragastric administra-tion of DF from Deinagkistrodon acutus venom(1,000 U/kg),there was no obvious toxic reaction in rats,and the oral toxicity of DF was very low.DF mainly existed in duodenum,stomach and jejunum after 3 h of intragastric DF.In the dose-effect relationship experiment,the fibrinogen level in rats after intragastric administration of DF(200 U/kg)was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05);in the time-effect relationship experi-ment,the levels of fibrinogen on the 5th,6th and 7th day after intragastric administration were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),and showed a time-and dose-dependent relationship.Conclusion:The DF from Deinagkistrodon acutus venom,when orally administrated,can be absorbed into the stomach,duodenum and jejunum through the gastrointestinal mucosa.Appropriate oral administration of DF can effectively reduce fi-brinogen levels in rats,and continuous administration is more effective.