Abstract

Incubation of plasma from the snake Bothrops jararaca ( BJP) with trypsin generated two hypotensive peptides. The primary structure of the peptides was established for three sequences as: Asn-Pro-Phe-Val-Asp-Ala (fraction 13), Ser-Lys-Pro-Asn-Met-Ser-Asp-Glu-Ser-Leu-Ala-Val-Ala-Ile (fraction 14), Asn-Pro-Phe-Val-Asp-Ala (fraction 15). These peptides display homology with fragments of albumin from Trimeresurus flavoviridis. A bolus intra-arterial injection of the purified or the synthetic peptide produced a strong and sustained vasopressor response in the anaesthetized snake B. jararaca and Wistar rats; this hypotensive effect was also potentiated by captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (0.1 mg/kg). The natural concentrations of these peptides in plasma need to be determined and could play a physiological role in snake blood pressure regulation.

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