Abstract
Snake venom has been the subject of numerous studies in an attempt to find properties and biological effects that may be beneficial to man. In this study we evaluated in vitro the effects of Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt) and Crotalus durissus collilineatus (Cdc) venom in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). At 24 h, a significant decrease of viable cells was observed in cells stimulated with the Cdc venom at 0.0005 mg/mL and 0.005 mg/mL compared to the negative control. At 48 h, a significant decrease of viable cells was observed only in cells stimulated with Cdc venom at 0.005 mg/mL. A significant increase of TNF-α and IL-10 was detected 48 hours after culture of PBMC with Cdc, but not with Cdt venom. The expression of CD69 and PD1 (programmed death-1), activation and regulatory cell markers, on CD8+ and CD8− T cells did not change in the presence of Cdt and Cdc venom. Our results suggest the presence of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory components in the Cdc venom. Further analysis should be done to identify those Cdc venom components as it has been done for the Cdt venom by other authors, indicating that modulatory components are found in the venom of different species of Crotalus snakes.
Highlights
Snakes are included in one of the most diverse groups of reptiles in the world, with over 3100 known living species [1]
Snakes belonging to Viperidae family and Crotalus genus are represented in Brazil by a single species, Crotalus durissus and five subspecies known as Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt), Crotalus durissus collilineatus (Cdc), Crotalus durissus cascavella, Crotalus durissus ruruima, and Crotalus durissus marajoensis
A significant decrease of viable cells was observed at 24 h in the condition of cells stimulated with the Cdc venom at concentrations of 0.0005 μg/mL and 0.005 μg/mL compared to the condition of nonstimulated cells (Figure 1(d))
Summary
Snakes are included in one of the most diverse groups of reptiles in the world, with over 3100 known living species [1]. Brazil has cataloged 721 species of snakes. Two families (Elapidae and Viperidae) show venomous species, those that produce toxins in specialized glands [2]. Snakes belonging to Viperidae family and Crotalus genus are represented in Brazil by a single species, Crotalus durissus and five subspecies known as Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt), Crotalus durissus collilineatus (Cdc), Crotalus durissus cascavella, Crotalus durissus ruruima, and Crotalus durissus marajoensis. Snake venom is a complex mixture consisting of proteins, peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, lipids, and carbohydrates that have a wide variety of biological activities that reflect changes in the biological properties and toxicity [6, 7]
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