Toxinological characterization of venom from Leptodeira annulata (Banded cat-eyed snake; Dipsadidae, Imantodini)

We investigated the histology of Duvernoy's venom gland and the biochemical and biological activities of Leptodeira annulata snake venom. The venom gland had a lobular organization, with secretory tubules formed by serous epithelial cells surrounding each lobular duct. The latter drained into a common lobular duct and subsequently into a central cistern. In contrast, the supralabial gland was mucous in nature. SDS-PAGE revealed a profile of venom components that differed from pitviper (Bothrops spp.) venoms. RP-HPLC also revealed greater complexity of this venom compared to Bothrops venoms. The venom had no esterase, l-amino acid oxidase or thrombin-like activity, but was proteolytic towards elastin-Congo red, fibrin, fibrinogen, gelatin and hide powder azure. The venom showed strong α-fibrinogenase and fibrinolytic activities and reduced the rate and extent of plasma recalcification. The proteolytic activity was inhibited by EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline (metalloproteinase inhibitors) but not by AEBSF and PMSF (serine proteinase inhibitors). The venom had phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) activity that was inhibited by varespladib. The venom cross-reacted with antivenoms to lancehead (Bothrops spp.), coralsnake (Micrurus spp.) and rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus) venoms. The venom did not aggregate rat platelets or inhibit collagen-induced aggregation, but partially inhibited thrombin-induced aggregation. The venom was hemorrhagic (inhibited by EDTA) and increased the vascular permeability (inhibited by varespladib) in rat dorsal skin. In gastrocnemius muscle, the venom caused myonecrosis and increased serum creatine kinase concentrations. In conclusion, L. annulata venom has various enzymatic and biological activities, with the local effects being mediated primarily by metalloproteinases and PLA₂.