Neuromuscular block induced by Bothrops moojeni snake venom and the effect of Jatropha elliptica starch

Abstract

This research evaluated the effect of Bothrops moojeni venom on neuromuscular activity and verified the anti-phallic potential of the J. elliptica starch in this model. The venom was obtained from snakes collected in the state of Tocantins, the protein profile evaluated in electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and the activity on the phrenic-diaphragm nerve of mice determined in 50 µg/mL of venom. The JeP, obtained by hand, was sieved in a sieve for granulometric analysis and concentrations of 100 and 1000 µg/mL were tested to verify its anti-phallic potential on the action of the poison. The following models were used: pre-venom - addition of venom and after 15 min addition of JeP; post-poison - addition of JeP and after 15 min the addition of poison; and pre-incubation - for 30 min, of poison with JeP or commercial antivenom. The poison had proteins from 10 to 60 kDa, which induced 50% of neuromuscular activity block in 71.5 ± 8.9 min (T50). The pre-venom and post-venom models with JeP 100 µg/mL prolonged phrenic nerve activity time (100.9 ± 7.6 min and 97 ± 6.1 min, respectively). The results obtained for 1000 µg/mL and in the model of pre-incubation of the venom with JeP 100 (78.2 ± 9.2); 1000 µg/mL (86.5 ± 8.9) and with commercial botropic antivenom (80.2 ± 14.1), did not interfere with the activity of the venom on the phrenic nerve. Bothrops moojeni venom induces neuromuscular block and the lower concentration of the starch caused a protective effect on the junction, before and after the administration of the venom.