间接ELISA法在注射用矛头蝮蛇血凝酶蛇毒种属鉴别中的应用

目的建立间接ELISA法定性检测矛头蝮蛇血凝酶,用于巴曲亭蛇毒种属来源检测。方法将矛头蝮蛇血凝酶为抗原免疫小鼠,与尖吻蝮蛇血凝酶、白眉蝮蛇血凝酶交叉筛选获得特异性单克隆抗体。优化矛头蝮蛇血凝酶单抗(一抗)、HRP标记的羊抗鼠(二抗)IgG、矛头蝮蛇血凝酶(抗原)工作浓度,建立间接ELISA检测方法。考察方法的重复性、中间精密度,确定方法的适用性。采用膜超滤法将巴曲亭中辅料去除,按照建立的ELISA法检测,判定种属来源。结果矛头蝮蛇血凝酶单抗具有强特异性,一抗的最佳工作浓度1∶4000(250ng),二抗的最佳工作浓度1∶4000(250ng),抗原浓度2μg/孔,该法重复性和中间精密度较好。巴曲亭与矛头蝮蛇血凝酶单抗有特异性反应,与其它蛇毒来源血凝酶单抗无交叉反应,确定巴曲亭来源于矛头蝮蛇蛇毒。结论本研究建立的ELISA法具有较好的特异性,可作为巴曲亭蛇毒种属来源判断的方法。     

Evidence of caspase-mediated apoptosis induced by l-amino acid oxidase isolated from Bothrops atrox snake venom

The aim of this work was to investigate the involvement of caspases in apoptosis induced by l-amino acid oxidase isolated from Bothrops atrox snake venom. The isolation of LAAO involved three chromatographic steps: molecular exclusion on a G-75 column; ion exchange column by HPLC and affinity chromatography on a Lentil Lectin column. SDS-PAGE was used to confirm the expected high purity level of BatroxLAAO. It is a glycoprotein with 12% sugar and an acidic character, as confirmed by its amino acid composition, rich in “Asp and Glu” residues. It displays high specificity toward hydrophobic l-amino acids. The N-terminal amino acid sequence and internal peptide sequences showed close structural homology to other snake venom LAAOs. This enzyme induces in vitro platelet aggregation, which may be due to H₂O₂ production by LAAOs, since the addition of catalase completely inhibited the aggregation effect. It also showed cytotoxicity towards several cancer cell lines: HL60, Jurkat, B16F10 and PC12. The cytotoxicity activity was abolished by catalase. A fluorescence microscopy evaluation revealed a significant increase in the apoptotic index of these cells after BatroxLAAO treatment. This observation was confirmed by phosphatidyl serine exposure and activation of caspases. BatroxLAAO is a protein with various biological functions that can be involved in envenomation. Further investigations of its function will contribute to toxicology advances.     

Properties of nerve growth factor from the venom of Bothrops atrox.

A glycoprotein fraction islated in poor yield (approx. 0.04%) from the venom of Bothrops atrox contained nerve growth factor. The material had biological activity, stability, the property of anomalous adsorption onto surfaces, apparent molecular weight and sub-unit structure that were similar to those for nerve growth factor that had been previously purified from the venom of Vipera russelli. Antiserum raised against nerve growth factor from Vipera russelli showed definite cross-reactivity with either the material from Bothrops atrox or a nerve growth factor-containing fraction from the venom of Ancistrodon piscivorus piscivorus, while antiserum against nerve growth factor from mouse had little effect on any of these preparations.     

Isolation, functional, and partial biochemical characterization of galatrox, an acidic lectin from Bothrops atrox snake venom

Snake venom lectins have been studied in regard to their chemical structure and biological functions. However, little is known about lectins isolated from Bothrops atrox snake venom. We report here the isolation and partial functional and biochemical characterization of an acidic glycan-binding protein called galatrox from this venom. This lectin was purified by affinity chromatography using a lactosyl-sepharose column, and its homogeneity and molecular mass were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The purified galatrox was homogeneous and characterized as an acidic protein (pI 5.2) with a monomeric and dimeric molecular mass of 16.2 and 32.5 kDa, respectively. Alignment of N-terminal and internal amino acid sequences of galatrox indicated that this protein exhibits high homology to other C-type snake venom lectins. Galatrox showed optimal hemagglutinating activity at a concentration of 100 μg/ml and this effect was drastically inhibited by lactose, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and heating, which confirmed galatrox's lectin activity. While galatrox failed to induce the same level of paw edema or mast cell degranulation as B. atrox crude venom, galatrox did alter cellular viability, which suggested that galatrox might contribute to venom toxicity by directly inducing cell death.     

Cell cycle arrest evidence, parasiticidal and bactericidal properties induced by L-amino acid oxidase from Bothrops atrox snake venom

The present article describes an l-amino acid oxidase from Bothrops atrox snake venom as with antiprotozoal activities in Trypanosoma cruzi and in different species of Leishmania (Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania donovani and Leishmania major). Leishmanicidal effects were inhibited by catalase, suggesting that they are mediated by H₂O₂ production. Leishmania spp. cause a spectrum of diseases, ranging from self-healing ulcers to disseminated and often fatal infections, depending on the species involved and the host’s immune response. BatroxLAAO also displays bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The apoptosis induced by BatroxLAAO on HL-60 cell lines and PBMC cells was determined by morphological cell evaluation using a mix of fluorescent dyes. As revealed by flow cytometry analysis, suppression of cell proliferation with BatroxLAAO was accompanied by the significant accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase boundary in HL-60 cells. BatroxLAAO at 25 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL blocked G0-G1 transition, resulting in G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, thereby delaying the progression of cells through S and G2/M phase in HL-60 cells. This was shown by an accentuated decrease in the proportion of cells in S phase, and the almost absence of G2/M phase cell population. BatroxLAAO is an interesting enzyme that provides a better understanding of the ophidian envenomation mechanism, and has biotechnological potential as a model for therapeutic agents.     

The thrombin-like enzyme from Bothrops atrox snake venom. Properties of the enzyme purified by affinity chromatography on p-aminobenzamidine-substituted agarose.

The trhombin-like activities from the snake venoms of two subspecies of Bothrops atrox, moojeni (type I) and marajoensis (type II), were purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography on a support consisting of the inhibitor, p-aminobenzamidine, linked to Sepharose 4B with a spacer of diaminodipropylaminosuccinate. At room temperature the enzyme was not bound to the affinity support but rather was retarded in relation to the unbound protein. As a result the thrombin-like activity eluted in a large volume following the main protein fraction. However, at 4 degrees the enzyme was absorbed to the affinity support and could be eluted specifically with the ligand benzamidine (0.15 M). Optimal conditions for column loading and washing were 0.05 M Tris.HCl/0.4 M NaCl, pH 9.0 at 4 degrees. The type I enzyme isolated in this manner showed a single major band on pH 8.9 disc gel electrophoresis as well as two minor bands. Further purification by isoelectric focusing yielded one major and two minor components. All three protein fractions had identical thrombin-like activities and amino acid composition. The major band had a specific activity of 210 to 230 NIH thrombin units/mg, a S20, w of 2.65 S, a molecular weight of 29,000, and an E1% 280 of 15.6. This protein has a carbohydrate content, measured as hexose, glucosamine, and sialic acid, of 27%. From the amino acid and carbohydrate composition a partial specific volume of 0.700 ml/g was calculated. The type I enzyme, purified on affinity chromatography only, did not activate Factor XIII and was free of thromboplastin-like activity. The type II enzyme behaved very differently from the type I on pH 8.9 polyacrylamide disc gels yielding two major bands and two minor bands. The relative amounts of these four bands were not a function of purity. The type II enzyme had a specific activity of 650 to 700 NIH thrombin units/mg, a S20, w of 2.60, and a molecular weight of 31,400.     

Primary structure characterization of Bothrops jararacussu snake venom lectin

The complete amino acid sequence of the lectin from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom (BJcuL) is reported. The sequence was determined by Edman degradation and amino acid analysis of the S-carboxymethylated BJcuL derivative (RC-BJcuL) and from its peptides originated from enzymatic digestion. The sequence of amino acid residues showed that this lectin displays the invariant amino acid residues characterized in C-type lectins. Amino acids analysis revealed a high content of acidic amino acids and leucine. These findings suggest that BJcuL, like other snake venom lectins, possesses structural similarities to the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) of calcium-dependent animal lectins belonging to the C-type -galactoside binding lectin family.     

Characterization of beta-adrenoceptors responsible for venom production in the venom gland of the snake Bothrops jararaca

We have shown that the stimulation of beta-adrenoceptors is an important step in venom production in the Bothrops jararaca venom gland. In the present study, the pharmacological profile of the beta-adrenoceptor present in Bothrops jararaca venom gland was characterized by radioligand binding assay and by the ability of isoprenaline to promote accumulation of cyclic AMP in dispersed secretory cells. In both cases, the venom glands were obtained from non-extracted snakes (quiescent stage) or from snakes which venom was extracted 4 days before sacrifice (venom production stimulated stage). [125I]-iodocyanopindolol ([125I]-ICYP) bound to extracted gland membranes in a concentration-dependent and saturable manner, but with low affinity. Propranolol, beta1- or beta2-selective adrenoceptors ligands displaced the [125I]-ICYP binding with low affinity, while selective beta3-adrenoceptor ligands did not displace the [125I]-ICYP binding. The displacement of [125I]-ICYP by propranolol was similar in non-extracted and extracted glands, showing the presence of beta-adrenoceptors in both stages. In dispersed secretory cells of non-extracted glands, isoprenaline (1 microM) increased the cyclic AMP production and propranolol (10 microM) was able to block this effect. On the other hand, in extracted glands, isoprenaline had no effect. The results suggest that the beta-adrenoceptors present in the Bothrops jararaca venom glands are different from those (beta1, beta2 or beta3) described in mammals, but are coupled to the Gs protein, like the known beta-adrenoceptor subtypes. Moreover, previous in vivo stimulation of venom production desensitizes the beta-adrenoceptors system and, although the receptors could be detected by binding studies, they are not coupled to the Gs protein, indicating that beta-adrenoceptors stimulation contributes to the initial steps of venom synthesis.     

Bothrops jararaca venom proteome rearrangement upon neonate to adult transition

The pharmacological activities displayed by Bothrops jararaca venom undergo a significant ontogenetic shift. Similarly, the diet of this species changes from ectothermic prey in early life to endothermic prey in adulthood. In this study we used large and representative newborn and adult venom samples consisting of pools from 694 and 110 specimens, respectively, and demonstrate a significant ontogenetic shift in the venom proteome complexity of B. jararaca. 2-DE coupled to MS protein identification showed a clear rearrangement of the toxin arsenal both in terms of the total proteome, as of the glycoproteome. N-glycosylation seems to play a key role in venom protein variability between newborn and adult specimens. Upon the snake development, the subproteome of metalloproteinases undergoes a shift from a P-III-rich to a P-I-rich profile while the serine proteinase profile does not vary significantly. We also used isobaric tag labeling (iTRAQ) of venom tryptic peptides for the first time to examine the quantitative changes in the venom toxins of B. jararaca upon neonate to adult transition. The iTRAQ analysis showed changes in various toxin classes, especially the proteinases. Our study expands the in-depth understanding of venom complexity variation particularly with regard to toxin families that have been associated with envenomation pathogenesis.     

Purification and characterization of a phosphodiesterase from Bothrops alternatus snake venom

A phosphodiesterase was purified from the venom of the snake Bothrops alternatus by a combination of gel filtration and ion exchange chromatographies. In SDS-PAGE, the enzyme gave a single band with a molecular mass of 105 kDa, which was unaltered in the presence of -mercaptoethanol, indicating that the protein contained no subunits. A single protein band was also observed in native PAGE. There were no contaminating 59-nucleotidase, alkaline phosphatase and protease activities. The enzyme was recognized by commercial bothropic antiserum and gave a single band in immunoblotting. The enzyme had a pH optimum in the range of 7.5–9.5 and the optimum temperature was 60°C, with activity being rapidly lost within 1 min at 70°C. The K_m of the enzyme was 2.69 mM. PDE activity was potentiated by cobalt and, to a lesser extent, by calcium, whereas copper, manganese, zinc, EDTA, and -mercaptoethanol were inhibitory. These properties show that this enzyme is very similar to that isolated from other snake venoms.     

High molecular mass kininogen inhibits metalloproteinases of Bothrops jararaca snake venom

High molecular mass kininogen (HK) purified from Bothrops jararaca (Bj) plasma was tested on activities of the Bj venom in vivo and in vitro. Results showed that, when incubated with BjHK, the Bj venom presented inhibition on hemorrhagic, edema forming, myotoxic, and coagulant activities. It is well known that metalloproteinases are directly or indirectly involved in these activities. Similarly, human HK inhibits the hemorrhagic effect of the Bj venom as well as hemorrhagic and enzymatic effects of jararhagin, a hemorrhagic metalloproteinase isolated from Bj venom. Complex between HK and jararhagin was not detected by gel filtration. Nevertheless, the inhibitory effect of the hemorrhagic activity of the venom was only partial when HK was pre-incubated with 0.4mM ZnCl(2) or with 0.45mM CaCl(2). These data suggest that the inhibitory effect depends, at least partially, on the competition for ions between kininogen and metalloproteinases of the venom.     

Local inflammation,lethality and cytokine release in mice injected with Bothrops atrox venom.

We have provided evidence that: (a) lethality of mice to crude Bothrops venom varies according the isogenic strain (A/J > C57Bl/6 > A/Sn > BALB/c > C3H/HePas > DBA/2 > C3H/He); (b)BALB/c mice (LD50=100.0 microg) were injected i.p. with 50 microg of venom produced IL-6, IL-10, INF-gamma, TNF-alpha and NO in the serum. In vitro the cells from the mice injected and challenged with the venom only released IL-10 while peritoneal macrophages released IL-10, INF-gamma and less amounts of IL-6; (c) establishment of local inflammation and necrosis induced by the venom, coincides with the peaks of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and NO and the damage was neutralized when the venom was incubated with a monoclonal antibody against a 60 kDa haemorrhagic factor. These results suggest that susceptibility to Bothrops atrox venom is genetically dependent but MHC independent; that IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and NO can be involved in the mediation of tissue damage; and that the major venom component inducers of the lesions are haemorrhagins.     

Individual expression patterns of myotoxin isoforms in the venom of the snake Bothrops asper.

1. In order to investigate the distribution of myotoxin isoforms in the snake Bothrops asper, venoms from individual specimens were analyzed by a cathodic electrophoretic system for basic proteins under native conditions. 2. The electrophoretic system resolved at least five bands with slight differences in mobility, corresponding to the fastest migrating proteins in the venom. The identity of the bands was confirmed by immunoblotting, using a rabbit anti-myotoxin serum. 3. There were clear differences in the individual patterns of myotoxin isoform expression, both in specimens from the Atlantic and Pacific regions of Costa Rica. Some individuals possessed all five variants. 4. In agreement with previous reports, the venoms of ten newborn (less than 10 days of age) specimens completely lacked myotoxin bands, indicating an ontogenetic regulation in the expression of these toxins in B. asper. 5. One of the bands, corresponding to the lysine-49 phospholipase myotoxin II, was the only isoform present in all individuals studied, suggesting a possible selective pressure for the conservation of this type of protein in the venom of B. asper.     

Variability in expression of Bothrops insularis snake venom proteases: an ontogenetic approach

Bothrops insularis is a threatened snake endemic to Queimada Grande Island, southern coast of S?o Paulo, Brazil, and the occurrence of sexual abnormalities in males, females and intersexes (females with functional ovaries and rudimentary hemipenis) has been reported in this population. The aim of this study was to identify ontogenetic shifts in protease expression of offspring of captive-bred B. insularis. Three neonates from a single litter were maintained at the facilities of Laboratory of Herpetology, Institute Butantan, for 41 months. The snakes were individually milked and venoms were analyzed both by SDS-PAGE, under reducing conditions, and for biochemical activities. The venoms from the mother and from a pool of adult specimens were used as references. In regard to the electrophoretic patterns, common bands were identified mainly between 14 and 50 kDa among snakes. The occurrence of proteolytic activity was noticed predominantly between 27 and 45 kDa in zymograms. Inhibitory assays with 1,10-phenantroline (10 mM) and PMSF (5 mM) showed that venoms possessed both metalloproteases and serine proteases. Venoms of young specimens showed a higher coagulant activity than those of adults, especially upon factors X and II. All venoms presented fibrino(geno)lytic activity, degrading Aalpha and Bbeta chains of fibrinogen, and lysing fibrin plate. These findings can reflect important individual, ontogenetic and sexual differences on venom composition and are likely correlated with diet habits of this species.     

Purification of a lectin with antibacterial activity from Bothrops leucurus snake venom

A novel lectin was isolated from Bothrops leucurus snake venom using a combination of affinity and gel filtration chromatographies. The lectin (BlL) agglutinated glutaraldehyde-treated rabbit and human erythrocytes with preference for rabbit erythrocytes. Galactose, raffinose, lactose, fetal bovine serum and casein inhibited lectin-induced rabbit erythrocyte agglutination. BlL, with a molecular mass of 30 kDa and composed of two subunits of 15 kDa, showed dependence on calcium. BlL is an acidic protein with highest activity over the pH range of 4.0-7.0 and stable under heating to 70°C. Fluorescence emission spectra showed tryptophan residues partially buried within the lectin structure. The percentages of secondary structure revealed by circular dichroism were 1% α-helix, 44% β-sheet, 24% β-turn and 31% unordered. BlL showed effective antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus subtilis with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 31.25, 62.25 and 125 μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, B. leucurus snake venom contains a galactoside-binding lectin with antibacterial activity.     

Bothrops atrox venom: Biochemical properties and cellular phenotypes of three highly toxic classes of toxins

Snake venoms have a complex mixture of compounds that are conserved across species and act synergistically, triggering severe local and systemic effects. Identification of the toxin classes that are most damaging to cell homeostasis would be a powerful approach to focus on the main activities that underpin envenomation. Here, we focus on the venom of Bothrops atrox, snake responsible for most of the accidents in Amazon region of South America. We identified the key cytotoxic toxin fractions from B. atrox venom and mapped their biochemical properties, protein composition and cell damage. Five fractions were obtained by mass exclusion chromatography and contained either a single class of enzymatic activity (i.e., L-amino acid oxidases or Hyaluronidases) or different activities co-distributed in two or more protein fractions (e.g., Metalloproteinases, Serine Proteases, or Phospholipases A₂). Only three protein fractions reduced cell viability of primary human cells. Strikingly, such activity is accompanied by disruption of cell attachment to substratum and to neighbouring cells. Such strong perturbation of morphological cell features indicates likely defects in tissue integrity in vivo. Mass spectrometry identified the main classes of toxins that contribute to these phenotypes. We provide here a strategy for the selection of key cytotoxic proteins for targeted investigation of their mechanism of action and potential synergism during snakebite envenomation. Our data highlights putative toxins (or combinations of) that may be the focus of future therapeutic interference.