Analysis of the ontogenetic variability of the snake venom Bothrops pauloensis

Abstract

The World Health Organization classifies snake envenoment as a neglected disease in many tropical and subtropical countries. In Brazil, two families of venomous snakes occur, the Elapidae family (represented by the genus Micrurus) and the Viperidae family (represented by the genera Bothrops, Bothrocophias, Crotalus and Lachesis). Among these groups, the genus Bothrops is the one that represents greater importance for the public health, since they are responsible for the majority of the ophidian accidents registered in Brazil. Bothrops pauloensis snake was formerly classified as B. neuwiedi pauloensis, a subspecies within the "neuwiedi complex". However, after the taxonomic revision in 2008, this group was raised to the category of species. Bothrops pauloensis has a wide geographical distribution, being able to be found in a great area of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. This species inhabits areas of cerrado, has a general diet and presents an ontogenetic variation in diet, which changes its prey from ectothermic to endothermic. The effects of its bite on humans are similar to that of other Bothrops, which is characterized by three pathophysiological activities: proteolytic, coagulant and hemorrhagic. Snake venoms have considerable heterogeneity, both quantitatively and qualitatively. This variation occurs intra and interspecifically, according to seasonality, geographic distribution, age and sex. In this way, the study of these variations and the quality control of these venoms has been the object of intense investigation, considering their use in the production of antiofidic sera and in search of new products of biotechnological interest. Ontogenetic changes in venom composition are observed in different species of snakes, as in some species of the genus Crotalus, in Lachesis muta and other species of the genus Bothrops. Since the venom of offspring and adults cause distinct pathological effects, and whey may be less effective in neutralizing puppets' envenoment in relation to adults, it is of the utmost importance to understand the ontogenetic variability of venom of snakes, such as B pauloensis. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the venom of B. pauloensis of different ages, seeking to elucidate the mechanisms involved in catching prey along the development of these animals and to improve the treatment of snake poisoning. (AU)