Bothrops erythromelas snake venom induces a proinflammatory response in mice splenocytes

Karla PO Luna1,2, Cristiane ML Melo1, Vanessa P Magalh es3, Olindo A Martins-Filho3, Valéria RA Pereira11Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalh es – FIOCRUZ, Pernambuco, Brazil; 2Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, Brazil; 3Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou – FIOCRUZ, Minas Gerais, BrazilAbstract: Snake venom is a complex biological mixture used for immobilization and killing of prey for alimentation. Many effects are inflicted by this venom, such as coagulation, necrosis, bleeding, inflammation, and shock. This study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory activity promoted by Bothrops erythromelas and Crotalus durissus cascavella snake venom. It was observed that both B. erythromelas and C. d. cascavella venom induced higher interferon-gamma and interleukin-6 production. Nitric oxide (NO) was significantly produced only by B. erythromelas venom, which also showed a higher rate of cell death induction when compared with C. d. cascavella. Results showed that B. erythromelas and C. d. cascavella venom induced distinct response in vitro through cytokines and NO production. However, B. erythromelas induces a proinflammatory response and a higher rate of cell death in relation to C. d. cascavella venom.Keywords: snake venom, Bothrops, nitric oxide, necrosis, Crotalus