Caracterização comparativa do veneno das espécies de serpente Bothrops alternatus (DUMÉRIL, BIBRON & DUMÉRIL, 1854), Bothrops pauloensis AMARAL,1925 E Bothrops moojeni (HOGE, 1966) do estado de Goiás

Abstract

The Bothrops genus represents the main etiological agent of snakebite envenomations in Brazil, accounting for most cases recorded annually. This study aimed to compare the biochemical and enzymatic activities of venoms from Bothrops alternatus, B. pauloensis and B. moojeni, species of medical relevance in the State of Goiás. Protein quantification, hyaluronidase, caseinolytic and phospholipase activities, as well as the minimum coagulant dose (MCD), were determined. Protein profiles were characterized by SDS-PAGE and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results demonstrated higher enzymatic activity and protein complexity in B. pauloensis and B. moojeni venoms compared to B. alternatus, with higher hyaluronidase and caseinolytic activities. SDS-PAGE revealed distinct protein banding patterns corresponding to serine proteases, phospholipases A₂, and L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs). These interspecific differences reflect ecological and geographical factors influencing venom composition. The findings reinforce the importance of biochemical characterization of Bothrops venoms to improve the understanding of their pathophysiological mechanisms and to support the development of more effective antivenoms.