Abstract | BACKGROUND/AIMS: Micrurus is one of the four snake genera of medical importance in Brazil. Coral snakes have a broad geographic distribution from the southern United States to Argentina. Micrurine envenomation is characterized by neurotoxic symptoms leading to dyspnea and death. Moreover, various local manifestations, including edema formation, have been described in patients bitten by different species of Micrurus. Thus, we investigated the ability of Micrurus lemniscatus venom (MLV) to induce local edema. We also explored mechanisms underlying this effect, focusing on participation of neuropeptides and mast cells. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, MLV induces paw edema in rats by mechanisms involving activation of mast cells and substance P-releasing sensory C-fibers. Tachykinins NKA and NKB, histamine, and serotonin are major mediators of the MLV-induced edematogenic response. Targeting mast cell- and sensory C-fiber-derived mediators should be considered as potential therapeutic approaches to interrupt development of local edema induced by Micrurus venoms.
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Authors | Luciana Lyra Casais-E-Silva, Catarina Teixeira |
Journal | PLoS neglected tropical diseases
(PLoS Negl Trop Dis)
Vol. 11
Issue 11
Pg. e0005874
(Nov 2017)
ISSN: 1935-2735 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 29161255
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Elapid Venoms
- Inflammation Mediators
- Neuropeptides
- micrurus venom
- p-Methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine
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Topics |
- Animals
- Cell Degranulation
- Coral Snakes
- Edema
(chemically induced, metabolism, pathology)
- Elapid Venoms
(antagonists & inhibitors, toxicity)
- Inflammation Mediators
(metabolism)
- Male
- Mast Cells
(drug effects, metabolism, pathology)
- Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated
(metabolism, pathology)
- Neuropeptides
(metabolism)
- Rats, Wistar
- p-Methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine
(pharmacology)
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