Abstract
Despite numerous studies concerning morphology and venom production and secretion in the main venom gland (and some data on the accessory gland) of the venom glandular apparatus of Viperidae snakes, the primary duct has been overlooked. We characterized the primary duct of the Bothrops jararaca snake by morphological analysis, immunohistochemistry and proteomics. The duct has a pseudostratified epithelium with secretory columnar cells with vesicles of various electrondensities, as well as mitochondria-rich, dark, basal, and horizontal cells. Morphological analysis, at different periods after venom extraction, showed that the primary duct has a long cycle of synthesis and secretion, as do the main venom and accessory glands; however, the duct has a mixed mode venom storage, both in the lumen and in secretory vesicles. Mouse anti-B. jararaca venom serum strongly stained the primary duct’s epithelium. Subsequent proteomic analysis revealed the synthesis of venom toxins—mainly C-type lectin/C-type lectin-like proteins. We propose that the primary duct’s toxin synthesis products complement the final venom bolus. Finally, we hypothesize that the primary duct and the accessory gland (components of the venom glandular apparatus) are part of the evolutionary path from a salivary gland towards the main venom gland.
Highlights
Bothrops jararaca (Serpentes, Viperidae) is a Brazilian solenoglyphous venomous snake
The venom glandular apparatus of this snake consists of four distinct parts: the main venom gland, the primary duct, the accessory gland, and the secondary duct that connects to the fang [1]
We propose that primary supplies the final venom with toxins that are synthesized at low(er) amounts by the other components of the venom glandular pool with toxins that are synthesized at low(er) amounts by the other components of the venom apparatus.apparatus
Summary
Bothrops jararaca (Serpentes, Viperidae) is a Brazilian solenoglyphous venomous snake. The venom glandular apparatus of this snake consists of four distinct parts: the main venom gland, the primary duct, the accessory gland, and the secondary duct that connects to the fang [1]. The main venom gland has a basal-central lumen, which narrows into the primary duct. This duct forms a loop in an orbital area and enters the accessory gland [2]. Near the center of the accessory gland, the primary duct becomes extremely narrow and often displays intricate curvatures before entering the secondary duct [3,4].
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