Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
The Ethiopian endemic snake of the species Bitis parviocula, recognized for its colorful patterns, might be more interesting as we look deeper into the venom activity. We assayed the effects of venoms from the most widespread venomous African Bitis arietens and closely related species Bitis parviocula using The Hen’s Egg Test—Chorioallantoic membrane test (HET-CAM) and Chicken embryotoxicity screening test (CHEST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) analysis, cytotoxicity assay performed on cell lines and protein analysis of selected venoms. Our results indicated that B. parviocula venom contains vasoactive compounds that have a direct effect on blood vessels. The AChE analysis showed significant ability inhibiting AChE activity in embryonic tissue. Cytotoxicity observed on A549 ATCC® CCL-185™ cells indicates the possible presence of cytotoxic agents in B. parviocula venom. We proved previously described differences in the composition of venom obtained from B. arietans and B. parviocula by using electrophoresis and total protein concentration. Based on similarities in vasoactive effects observed after administration of venoms onto a chicken chorioallantoic membrane, we suggest that venom from B. arietans and B. parviocula might share certain venom proteins responsible for haemotoxicity. The main active components of B. parviocula venom are unknown. Our results suggest that it might be worth performing proteomic analysis of B. parviocula venom as it might contain medically valuable compounds.
Highlights
The Ethiopian endemic species of mountain adder Bitis parviocula of the family Viperidae is a rare and little-studied species of venomous snake
Samples of whole crude snake venoms obtained from B. arietans and B. parviocula were diluted using saline solution to concentration of E-1 (106 μg/μL), E-2 (10.6 μg/μL), E-3 (1.06 μg/μL), E-4 (0.106 μg/μL), and E-5 (0.0106 μg/μL) respectively
Our results revealed that B. parviocula venom had the most neurotoxic effect at all concentrations, whereas B. arietans venom reduced AChE activity in the liver on E-2, E-3 and in the heart, it was on E-3, E-5, while in the neck, it decreased on E-5
Summary
The Ethiopian endemic species of mountain adder Bitis parviocula of the family Viperidae is a rare and little-studied species of venomous snake. B. parviocula snakes inhabit areas on both sides of the East African Rift, from the east in the Bale Mountains National Park and in the Bonga, Jimma and Bedele localities on the west side [1]. The three specimens known until 1995 came from localities on both sides of the East African Rift Valley. The third known individual came from the eastern side and emerged in tall grassy areas near a rocky stream [2,3]. Recent findings have revealed that museum specimen collected from Dodola in Ethiopia in the late 1960s, previously incorrectly considered an unusually patterned example of B. parviocula, is a member of a different Ethiopian species of Bitis harenna [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
