Isolation and characterization of Bothrops jararaca snake venom proteins that induce thrombocytopenia

Abstract

Bothrops jararaca snake venom (BjV) induces thrombocytopenia in human patients and experimental models. Although various proteins that activate or inhibit platelets in vitro and ex vivo have been isolated and characterized from BjV, it is not known which ones account for the development of thrombocytopenia in vivo. In previous studies, we showed that BjV incubated with catalytic inhibitors of metalloproteinases or serine proteinases, and/or anti-botrocetin antibodies, still evoked platelet consumption in rats and mice. Thus, we initiated the isolation, identification and characterization of BjV toxins responsible for inducing thrombocytopenia in vivo, using ultrafiltration and liquid chromatography, and in vivo and ex vivo testing of fractions.