Analysis of the genus Bothrops snake venom: An inter and intraspecific comparative study

The genus <i>Bothrops</i> are considered Category 1 of medical importance by the World Health Organization, responsible for approximately 85 % of snakebites occurring throughout Brazil. Main factors determining snake venom variations can be genetics, diet, gender, geographic distribution, age, or even seasonality. In this study, we compared the composition of protein profile, biochemical activities, and immunorecognition of toxins present in the venom of eight adults of <i>Bothrops</i> species (<i>B. alternatus, B. atrox, B. jararaca, B. jararacussu, B. leucurus, B. moojeni, B. neuwiedi</i> and <i>B. pauloensis</i>). The following methods were used to analyze the venoms: protein dosage; electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel containing SDS; High Performance Liquid Chromatography - Reverse Phase; enzymatic activities, western blotting and Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay. The results show inter and intraspecific differences in the electrophoretic profile. LAAO and PLA₂ activities, in general, were higher in males than females and proteolytic activity was higher in females than males. The bothropic antivenom produced by Instituto Butantan recognized most of the protein bands in all <i>Bothrops</i> species analyzed, with only the regions between 37 and 25 kDa presenting lower intensity. A notable variability in the chromatograms was observed. <i>Bothrops</i> venom demonstrated inter-intraspecific disparities in protein composition and biochemical activity.