Evaluation of the Toxicological Effects from Bothrops Jararacussu Snake Venom on Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Embryos and Larvae

Abstract

Introduction: Approximately 90% of reported and identified cases of snakebites in Brazil are caused by species belonging to the Bothrops genus. These snakes have clinical rele-vance due to their venom composition, which contains substances capable of triggering local and systemic effects, leading to morbidities and/or mortality. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxic and toxinological effects of Both-rops Jararacussu snake venom on zebrafish embryos and larvae. Methods: The stability of B. Jararacussu snake venom under the conditions used in the toxicity experiments in zebrafish embryos and larvae was evaluated on citrated human plasma. Zebrafish embryos and/or larvae mortality, morphological alterations, spontaneous tail movements and heartbeat caused by the venom were quantified within 96 hours. Toxicity parameters and activity of enzyme-related toxicity biomarkers were evaluated in zebrafish after 96 hours of semi-static exposure to the venom. Results: The results indicated that the venom causes toxicity in zebrafish embryos and larvae, in-ducing embryonic mortality, alteration in the number of spontaneous tail movements and activity of biomarker enzymes. The results suggested that the toxic effects caused by the venom in the ear-ly stages of zebrafish development are mediated, in part, by neurotoxic action, induction of oxida-tive and metabolic stress caused by low molecular weight components, and proteins present in this venom. Conclusion: Toxinological evaluations using the zebrafish as a model are scarce; however, this study presented promising results that encourage the development of future research in toxinology using this animal as a model organism.