Biological and molecular properties of yellow venom of the Amazonian coral snake Micrurus surinamensis
Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop
; 50(3): 365-373, May-June 2017. tab, graf
Article
in En
| LILACS
| ID: biblio-896971
Responsible library:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
Abstract INTRODUCTION:
The coral snake Micrurus surinamensis, which is widely distributed throughout Amazonia, has a neurotoxic venom. It is important to characterize the biological and molecular properties of this venom in order to develop effective antitoxins.METHODS:
Toxins from the venom of M. surinamensis were analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and their neurotoxic effects in vivo were evaluated. RESULTS ANDCONCLUSIONS:
Most proteins in the venom had masses < 14kDa, low phospholipase A2 activity, and no proteolytic activity. The toxins inhibited the coagulation cascade. The venom had neurotoxic effects in mice, with a median lethal dose upon intravenous administration of 700 µg/kg. Immunogenic studies revealed abundant cross-reactivity of antielapidic serum with 14kDa toxins and limited cross-reactivity with toxins < 10kDa. These results indicate that antielapidic serum against M. surinamensis venom has weak potency (0.35mg/ml) in mice.Key words
Full text:
1
Index:
LILACS
Main subject:
Elapidae
/
Elapid Venoms
/
Phospholipases A2
Limits:
Animals
Country/Region as subject:
America do sul
/
Caribe ingles
/
Suriname
Language:
En
Journal:
Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop
Journal subject:
MEDICINA TROPICAL
Year:
2017
Type:
Article