Leucocyte recruitment induced by type II phospholipases A(2) into the rat pleural cavity

Inflammatory Effects of Bothrops Phospholipases A2: Mechanisms Involved in Biosynthesis of Lipid Mediators and Lipid Accumulation

Phospholipases A₂s (PLA₂s) constitute one of the major protein groups present in the venoms of viperid and crotalid snakes. Snake venom PLA₂s (svPLA₂s) exhibit a remarkable functional diversity, as they have been described to induce a myriad of toxic effects. Local inflammation is an important characteristic of snakebite envenomation inflicted by viperid and crotalid species and diverse svPLA₂s have been studied for their proinflammatory properties. Moreover, based on their molecular, structural, and functional properties, the viperid svPLA₂s are classified into the group IIA secreted PLA₂s, which encompasses mammalian inflammatory sPLA₂s. Thus, research on svPLA₂s has attained paramount importance for better understanding the role of this class of enzymes in snake envenomation and the participation of GIIA sPLA₂s in pathophysiological conditions and for the development of new therapeutic agents. In this review, we highlight studies that have identified the inflammatory activities of svPLA₂s, in particular, those from Bothrops genus snakes, which are major medically important snakes in Latin America, and we describe recent advances in our collective understanding of the mechanisms underlying their inflammatory effects. We also discuss studies that dissect the action of these venom enzymes in inflammatory cells focusing on molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the biosynthesis of lipid mediators and lipid accumulation in immunocompetent cells.

Pain modulated by Bothrops snake venoms: Mechanisms of nociceptive signaling and therapeutic perspectives

Snake venoms are substances mostly composed by proteins and peptides with high biological activity. Local and systemic effects culminate in clinical manifestations induced by these substances. Pain is the most uncomfortable condition, but it has not been well investigated. This review discusses Bothrops snakebite-induced nociception, highlighting molecules involved in the mediation of this process and perspectives in treatment of pain induced by Bothrops snake venoms (B. alternatus, B. asper, B. atrox, B. insularis, B. jararaca, B. pirajai, B. jararacussu, B. lanceolatus, B. leucurus, B. mattogrossensis, B. moojeni). We highlight, the understanding of the nociceptive signaling, especially in snakebite, enables more efficient treatment approaches. Finally, future perspectives for pain treatment concerning snakebite patients are discussed.

Inflammasome Activation Induced by a Snake Venom Lys49-Phospholipase A2 Homologue

Background: Snake venom phospholipases A₂ (PLA₂s) have hemolytic, anticoagulant, myotoxic, oedematogenic, bactericidal, and inflammatory actions. BthTX-I, a Lys49-PLA₂ isolated from Bothrops jararacussu venom, is an example of Lys49-PLA₂ that presents such actions. NLRP3 is a cytosolic receptor from the NLR family responsible for inflammasome activation via caspase-1 activation and IL-1β liberation. The study of NLRs that recognize tissue damage and activate the inflammasome is relevant in envenomation. Methods: Male mice (18–20 g) received an intramuscular injection of BthTX-I or sterile saline. The serum was collected for creatine-kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) assays, and muscle was removed for inflammasome activation immunoblotting and qRT-PCR expression for nucleotide and oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing protein family, pyrin-containing domain 3 receptor (NLRP3) inflammasome components. Results: BthTX-I-induced inflammation and myonecrosis, shown by intravital microscope, and LDH and CK release, respectively. Mouse treatment with A438079, a P2X7 receptor antagonist, did not modify these effects. BthTX-I induced inflammasome activation in muscle, but P2X7R participation in this effect was not observed. Conclusion: Together, the results showed for the first time that BthTX-I in gastrocnemius muscle induces inflammation and consequently, inflammasome activation via NLRP3 with caspase-1 activation and IL-1β liberation.

Cytotoxic and inflammatory potential of a phospholipase A2 from Bothrops jararaca snake venom

Background

Snake venom phospholipases A₂ (PLA₂s) have been reported to induce myotoxic, neurotoxic, hemolytic, edematogenic, cytotoxic and proinflammatory effects. This work aimed at the isolation and functional characterization of a PLA₂ isolated from Bothrops jararaca venom, named BJ-PLA₂-I.

Methods and Results

For its purification, three consecutive chromatographic steps were used (Sephacryl S-200, Source 15Q and Mono Q 5/50 GL). BJ-PLA₂-I showed acidic characteristics, with pI~ 4.4 and molecular mass of 14.2 kDa. Sequencing resulted in 60 amino acid residues that showed high similarity to other Bothrops PLA₂s, including 100% identity with BJ-PLA₂, an Asp49 PLA₂ previously isolated from B. jararaca venom. Being an Asp49 PLA₂, BJ-PLA₂-I showed high catalytic activity, and also inhibitory effects on the ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Its inflammatory characterization showed that BJ-PLA₂-I was able to promote leukocyte migration in mice at different concentrations (5, 10 and 20 μg/mL) and also at different response periods (2, 4 and 24 h), mainly by stimulating neutrophil infiltration. Furthermore, increased levels of total proteins, IL-6, IL-1β and PGE₂ were observed in the inflammatory exudate induced by BJ-PLA₂-I, while nitric oxide, TNF-α, IL-10 and LTB₄ levels were not significantly altered. This toxin was also evaluated for its cytotoxic potential on normal (PBMC) and tumor cell lines (HL-60 and HepG2). Overall, BJ-PLA₂-I (2.5–160 μg/mL) promoted low cytotoxicity, with cell viabilities mostly varying between 70 and 80% and significant values obtained for HL-60 and PBMC only at the highest concentrations of the toxin evaluated.

Conclusions

BJ-PLA₂-I was characterized as an acidic Asp49 PLA₂ that induces acute local inflammation and low cytotoxicity. These results should contribute to elucidate the action mechanisms of snake venom PLA₂s.

Biochemical characterization and pharmacological properties of new basic PLA2 BrTX-I isolated from Bothrops roedingeri (Roedinger's Lancehead) Mertens, 1942, snake venom

BrTX-I, a PLA2, was purified from Bothrops roedingeri venom after only one chromatographic step using reverse-phase HPLC on μ-Bondapak C-18 column. A molecular mass of 14358.69 Da was determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Amino acid analysis showed a high content of hydrophobic and basic amino acids as well as 14 half-cysteine residues. The total amino acid sequence was obtained using SwissProt database and showed high amino acid sequence identity with other PLA2 from snake venom. The amino acid composition showed that BrTX-I has a high content of Lys, Tyr, Gly, Pro, and 14 half-Cys residues, typical of a basic PLA2. BrTX-I presented PLA2 activity and showed a minimum sigmoidal behavior, reaching its maximal activity at pH 8.0, 35-45°C, and required Ca(2+). In vitro, the whole venom and BrTX-I caused a neuromuscular blockade in biventer cervicis preparations in a similar way to other Bothrops species. BrTX-I induced myonecrosis and oedema-forming activity analyzed through injection of the purified BrTX-I in mice. Since BrTX-I exerts a strong proinflammatory effect, the enzymatic phospholipid hydrolysis might be relevant for these phenomena; incrementing levels of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF α were observed at 15 min, 30 min, one, two, and six hours postinjection, respectively.

Modulation of the pharmacological activities of secretory phospholipase A2 from Crotalus durissus cascavella induced by naringin

In this work we have characterized the action of the naringin, a flavonoid found in grapefruit and known for its various pharmacological effects, which include antioxidant blood lipid lowering and anticancer activity, on the structure and biochemical activities of a secretory phospholipase A (sPLA2) from Crotalus durissus cascavella, an important protein involved in the releasinge of arachidonic acid in phospholipid membranes. sPLA2 was incubated with naringin (mol:mol) at 37 °C and a discrete reduction in the UV scanning signal and a modification of the circular dichroism spectra were observed after treatment with naringin, suggesting modifications of the secondary structure of the protein. This flavonoid was able to decrease enzymatic activity and some pharmacological effects, such as myonecrosis, platelet aggregation, and neurotoxic activity caused by sPLA2, however, the inflammatory effect was not affected by naringin. In addition, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data were collected for sPLA2 and naringin-treated sPLA2 to evaluate possible modifications of the protein structure. These structural investigations have shown that sPLA2 is an elongated dimer in solution and after treatment with naringin a conformational change in the dimeric configuration was observed. Our results suggest that structural modification may be correlated with the loss of enzymatic activity and alterations in pharmacological properties.

Group V secreted phospholipase A2 contributes to LPS-induced leukocyte recruitment

Secreted phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2)s) are well known for their contribution in the biosynthesis of inflammatory eicosanoids. These enzymes also participate in the inflammatory process by regulating chemokine production and protein expression of adhesion molecules. The majority of sPLA(2) isoforms are up-regulated by proinflammatory stimuli such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which predominantly increases the expression of group V sPLA(2) (sPLA(2)-V). Furthermore, it has recently been shown that sPLA(2)-V is a critical messenger in the regulation of cell migration during allergic airway responsiveness. Herein, we investigated the effect of sPLA(2)-V on LPS-mediated leukocyte recruitment and its capacity to modulate adhesion molecule expression. We conducted our study in the murine air pouch model, using sPLA(2)-V null mice (sPLA(2)-V(-/-)) and control wild-type (WT) littermates. We observed that LPS (1 microg/ml)-mediated leukocyte emigration in sPLA(2)-V(-/-) was attenuated by 52% and 86% upon 6 and 12 h of treatment respectively, as compared to WT mice. In WT mice, treatment with the cell-permeable sPLA(2) inhibitor (12-epi-scalaradial; SLD) reduced LPS-mediated leukocyte recruitment by 67%, but had no additional inhibitory effect in sPLA(2)-V(-/-) mice. Protein analyses from the air pouch skin were carried out upon LPS-challenge, and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 were both significantly reduced in sPLA(2)-V(-/-) mice as compared to control WT mice. Together, our data demonstrate the role of sPLA(2)-V in LPS-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 protein overexpression and leukocyte recruitment, supporting the contribution of sPLA(2)-V in the development of inflammatory innate immune responses.

Effect of the synthetic coumarin, ethyl 2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxylate, on activity of Crotalus durissus ruruima sPLA2 as well as on edema and platelet aggregation induced by this factor

We show that ethyl 2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxylate (EOCC), a synthetic coumarin, irreversibly inhibits phospholipase A(2) (sPLA2) from Crotalus durissus ruruima venom (sPLA2r) with an IC(50) of 3.1 +/- 0.06 nmol. EOCC strongly decreased the V(max) and K(m), and it virtually abolished the enzyme activity of sPLA2r as well as sPLA2s from other sources. The edema induced by sPLA2r + EOCC was less than that induced by sPLA2r treated with p-bromophenacyl bromide, which was more efficient at neutralizing the platelet aggregation activity of native sPLA2r. Native sPLA2r induced platelet aggregation of 91.54 +/- 9.3%, and sPLA2r + EOCC induced a platelet aggregation of 18.56 +/- 6.5%. EOCC treatment also decreased the myotoxic effect of sPLA2r. Mass spectrometry showed that EOCC formed a stable complex with sPLA2r, which increased the mass of native sPLA2r from 14,299.34 Da to 14,736.22 Da. Moreover, the formation of this complex appeared to be involved in the loss of sPLA2r activity. Our results strongly suggest that EOCC can be used as a pharmacological agent against the sPLA2 in Crotalus durissus sp. venom as well as other sPLA2s.

NNZ-2566, a glypromate analog, improves functional recovery and attenuates apoptosis and inflammation in a rat model of penetrating ballistic-type brain injury

Glycine-proline-glutamate (GPE) is an N-terminal tripeptide endogenously cleaved from insulin-like growth factor-1 in the brain and is neuroprotective against hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and neurodegeneration. NNZ-2566 is an analog of GPE designed to have improved bioavailability. In this study, we tested NNZ-2566 in a rat model of penetrating ballistic-type brain injury (PBBI) and assessed its effects on injury-induced histopathology, behavioral deficits, and molecular and cellular events associated with inflammation and apoptosis. In the initial dose-response experiments, NNZ-2566 (0.01-3 mg/kg/h x 12 h intravenous infusion) was given at 30 min post-injury and the therapeutic time window was established by delaying treatments 2-4 h post-injury, but with the addition of a 10- or 30-mg/kg bolus dose. All animals survived 72 h. Neuroprotection was evaluated by balance beam testing and histopathology. The effects of NNZ-2566 on injury-induced changes in Bax and Bcl-2 proteins, activated microgliosis, neutrophil infiltration, and astrocyte reactivity were also examined. Behavioral results demonstrated that NNZ-2566 dose-dependently reduced foot faults by 19-66% after acute treatments, and 35-55% after delayed treatments. Although gross lesion volume was not affected, NNZ-2566 treatment significantly attenuated neutrophil infiltration and reduced the number of activated microglial cells in the peri-lesion regions of the PBBI. PBBI induced a significant upregulation in Bax expression (36%) and a concomitant downregulation in Bcl-2 expression (33%), both of which were significantly reversed by NNZ-2566. Collectively, these results demonstrated that NNZ-2566 treatment promoted functional recovery following PBBI, an effect related to the modulation of injury-induced neural inflammatory and apoptotic mechanisms.

Ctenus medius and Phoneutria nigriventer spiders venoms share noxious proinflammatory activities

Ctenus medius Keyserling, 1891 (Araneae: Ctenidae) co-occurs in various microhabitats of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and can be easily misidentified as the medically important spider Phoneutria nigriventer Keyserling, 1981 (Ctenidae). Despite being phylogenetically close to Phoneutria, no data are available about the toxic potential of Ctenus medius venom. Here we show that, although presenting different profile of protein composition, C. medius venom displays some of the toxic properties exhibited by P. nigriventer venom, including proteolytic, hyaluronidasic and phospholipasic activities, as well as the ability of causing hyperalgesia and edema. Moreover, C. medius venom interferes in the activation of the complement system in concentrations that P. nigriventer venom is inactive. Thus, these data show that venoms of spiders from Ctenidae family share important proinflammatory properties and suggest that the C. medius bite may have an important noxious effect in human accidents.

Role of substance P and bradykinin in acute pancreatitis induced by secretory phospholipase A2

OBJECTIVES

Secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) induce acute pancreatitis when injected into the common bile duct of rats. Substance P via neurokinin 1 (NK-1) receptors and bradykinin via B2 receptors are described to play important roles in the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis. This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of substance P and bradykinin in the sPLA2-induced pancreatitis.

METHODS

Rats were submitted to the common bile duct injection of sPLA2 obtained from Naja mocambique mocambique venom at 300 microg/kg. At 4 hours thereafter, measurement of pancreatic plasma extravasation, pancreatic and lung myeloperoxidase (MPO), serum amylase, and serum tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were evaluated.

RESULTS

Injection of sPLA2 significantly increased all parameters evaluated. Pretreatment with either the NK-1 receptor antagonist SR140333 or the B2 receptor antagonist icatibant largely reduced the increased pancreatic plasma extravasation and circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha. Both treatments partly reduced the MPO levels in the pancreas, whereas in the lungs, icatibant was more efficient to reduce the increased MPO levels. In addition, icatibant largely reduced the serum levels of amylase, whereas SR140333 had no significant effect.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that NK-1 and B2 receptors can regulate important steps in the local and remote inflammation during acute pancreatitis induced by sPLA2.

Purification, characterization and cytokine release function of a novel Arg-49 phospholipase A(2) from the venom of Protobothrops mucrosquamatus

Group IIA phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) are major components in Viperidae/Crotalidae venom. In the present study, a novel PLA(2) named promutoxin with Arg at the site 49 has been purified from the venom of Protobothrops mucrosquamatus by chromatography. It consists of 122 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 13,656 Da assessed by MALDI-TOF. It has the structural features of snake venom group IIA PLA(2)s, but has no PLA(2) enzymatic activity. Promutoxin shows higher amino acid sequence identity to the K49 PLA(2)s (72-95%) than to D49 PLA(2)s (52-58%). Promutoxin exhibits potent myotoxicity in the animal model with as little as 1 microg of promutoxin causing myonecrosis and myoedema in the gastrocnemius muscle of mice. Promutoxin is also able to stimulate the release of IL-12, TNFalpha, IL-6 and IL-1beta from human monocytes, and induce IL-2, TNFalpha and IL-6 release from T cells, indicating that this snake venom group IIA PLA(2) is actively involved in the inflammatory process in man caused by snake venom poisoning.

Characterization of the acute pancreatitis induced by secretory phospholipases A2 in rats

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas characterized by local inflammation and extrapancreatic effects such as lung injury. Secretory phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)s) have been implicated in triggering AP, but their exact role to evoke AP is largely unknown. Therefore, we have tested the ability of sPLA(2)s to induce AP in rats, using venom sPLA(2)s with residual or high enzymatic activity (bothropstoxin-II and Naja mocambique mocambique venom PLA(2), respectively), as well as sPLA(2) devoid of catalytic activity (piratoxin-I). The injection of Naja m. mocambique venom PLA(2), bothropstoxin-II or piratoxin-I (300 microg/kg each) into the common bile duct increased significantly the pancreatic plasma extravasation and myeloperoxidase activity. The lung myeloperoxidase and serum amylase were also increased for all groups, although the Naja mocambique mocambique venom PLA(2) induced higher lung myeloperoxidase and serum amylase values, compared with piratoxin-I and/or bothropstoxin-II. Histopathology of pancreas and lungs in piratoxin-I-injected rats showed interstitial oedema in both tissues, and neutrophil infiltration with acinar cell necrosis in pancreas. In conclusion, sPLA(2)s induce AP in rats and the catalytic activity is not essential to induce the local effects in pancreas, although it appears to contribute partly to the remote lung injury.

A Lys49 phospholipase A(2) homologue from Bothrops asper snake venom induces proliferation, apoptosis and necrosis in a lymphoblastoid cell line

Lys49 phospholipase A(2) homologues are abundant in viperid snake venoms. These proteins have substitutions at the calcium-binding loop and catalytic center which render them enzymatically inactive; however, they display a series of toxic activities, particularly cytotoxicity upon various cell lines in vitro. In this study we explored whether myotoxin II (MT-II), a Lys49 phospholipase A(2) homologue from the venom of the snake Bothrops asper, is capable of inducing various effects in a single cell type, using the lymphoblastoid B cell line CRL-8062 as a model. Cells were incubated with varying concentrations of MT-II for 24 and 48 h, time intervals that are more prolonged than the usual incubation times previously used in the characterization of this toxin. Results indicate that MT-II induces proliferation at low concentrations (0.5-5.0 microg/mL). Apoptosis was predominant at higher toxin levels (5-25 microg/mL), whereas necrosis, associated with overt plasma membrane disruption, occurred at concentrations > or =25 microg/mL, and was the predominant effect at higher MT-II concentrations (50 microg/mL). It is concluded that a single phospholipase A(2) homologue can induce markedly different effects on a single cell line, depending on the concentration used, an observation that may have implications for the action of this type of venom component in vivo.

Inflammatory events induced by Lys-49 and Asp-49 phospholipases A2 isolated from Bothrops asper snake venom: role of catalytic activity

The inflammatory events induced in the peritoneal cavity of mice by two PLA2s isolated from Bothrops asper snake venom were investigated. MT-III, an Asp-49 catalytically active enzyme and MT-II, a catalytically inactive Lys-49 variant induced increase in vascular permeability. Inhibition of enzymatic activity of MT-III with p-bromophenacyl bromide reduced this effect. MT-III induced a larger neutrophil infiltrate than MT-II. This activity was significantly reduced after inhibition of catalytic activity. Reduction in the number of neutrophils was observed when antibodies against L-selectin, CD18 or LFA-1 were used, suggesting the involvement of these adhesion molecules in the effects of both PLA2s. There was no effect with antibodies against ICAM-1 and PECAM-1. Increase in the levels of LTB4 and TXA2, as well as of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha, were observed in the peritoneal exudates induced by MT-III. MT-II did not enhance levels of eicosanoids but increased those of cytokines. It is concluded that both PLA2s induce inflammatory events in this model. Since MT-III exerts a stronger proinflammatory effect, the enzymatic phospholipid hydrolysis may be relevant for these phenomena. However, the fact that MT-II induced inflammation suggests that molecular regions distinct from the catalytic site elicit inflammatory events perhaps by interacting with specific cell membrane acceptors.

Mapping structural determinants of biological activities in snake venom phospholipases A2 by sequence analysis and site directed mutagenesis

In addition to their catalytic activity, snake venom phospholipases A2 (vPLA2) present remarkable diversity in their biological effects. Sequence alignment analyses of functionally related PLA2 are frequently used to predict the structural determinants of these effects, and the predictions are subsequently evaluated by site directed mutagenesis experiments and functional assays. In order to improve the predictive potential of computer-based analysis, a simple method for scanning amino acid variation analysis (SAVANA) has been developed and included in the analysis of the lysine 49 PLA2 myotoxins (Lys49-PLA2). The SAVANA analysis identified positions in the C-terminal loop region of the protein, which were not identified using previously available sequence analysis tools. Site directed mutagenesis experiments of bothropstoxin-I, a Lys49-PLA2 isolated from the venom of Bothrops jararacussu, reveals that these residues are exactly those involved in the determination of myotoxic and membrane damaging activities. The SAVANA method has been used to analyse presynaptic neurotoxic and anti-coagulant vPLA2s, and the predicted structural determinants of these activities are in excellent agreement with the available results of site directed mutagenesis experiments. The positions of residues involved in the myotoxic and neurotoxic determinants demonstrate significant overlap, suggesting that the multiple biological effects observed in many snake vPLA2s are a consequence of superposed structural determinants on the protein surface.

Inflammatory effects of snake venom myotoxic phospholipases A2

Snake venom phospholipases A2 (PLA2) show a remarkable functional diversity. Among their toxic activities, some display the ability to cause rapid necrosis of skeletal muscle fibers, thus being myotoxic PLA2s. Besides myotoxicity, these enzymes evoke conspicuous inflammatory and nociceptive events in experimental models. Local inflammation and pain are important characteristics of snakebite envenomations inflicted by viperid and crotalid species, whose venoms are rich sources of myotoxic PLA2s. Since the discovery that mammalian PLA2 is a key enzyme in the release of arachidonic acid, the substrate for the synthesis of several lipid inflammatory mediators, much interest has been focused on this enzyme in the context of inflammation. The mechanisms involved in the proinflammatory action of secretory PLA2s are being actively investigated, and part of the knowledge on secretory PLA2 effects has been gained by using snake venom PLA2s as tools, due to their high structural homology with human secretory PLA2s. The inflammatory events evoked by PLA2s are primarily associated with enzymatic activity and to the release of arachidonic acid metabolites. However, catalytically inactive Lys49 PLA2s trigger inflammatory and nociceptive responses comparable to those of their catalytically active counterparts, thereby evidencing that these proteins promote inflammation and pain by mechanisms not related to phospholipid hydrolysis nor to mobilization of arachidonic acid. These studies have provided a boost to the research in this field and various approaches have been used to identify the amino acid residues and the specific sites of interaction of myotoxic PLA2s with cell membranes potentially involved in the PLA2-induced inflammatory and nociceptive effects. This work reviews the proinflammatory and nociceptive effects evoked by myotoxic PLA2s and their mechanisms of action.

Pulmonary mechanics and lung histology in acute lung injury induced by Bothrops jararaca venom

Pulmonary mechanics [static (Est) and dynamic (Edyn) elastances, resistive (DeltaP1) and viscoelastic pressures (DeltaP2)], histology, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from BALB/c mice were analysed 1, 24, 48 and 72 h after intravenous injection of saline or Bothrops jararaca crude venom [0.3 (V0.3) or 1 (V1) microg.g(-1)]. Est, Edyn, and DeltaP2 increased at 1 h in both V groups, being significantly higher in V1 than in V0.3, decreasing progressively, reaching control values at 48 h in V0.3, but remaining altered in V1 at 72 h. DeltaP1 augmented in V1 at 1 h, returning to normal at 72 h. Histological changes in V0.3 group included interstitial oedema, alveolar collapse, and increased cellularity, which returned to normal at 48 h. These changes were more intense in V1 group, with alveolar oedema and haemorrhage. BALF showed time-dependent neutrophil influx in V0.3. In conclusion, venom led to time- and dose-dependent pulmonary mechanical changes, together with moderate inflammation in V0.3 and acute lung injury in V1.

An overview of lysine-49 phospholipase A2 myotoxins from crotalid snake venoms and their structural determinants of myotoxic action

In 1984, the first venom phospholipase A2 (PLA2) with a lysine substituting for the highly conserved aspartate 49 was discovered, in the North American crotalid snake Agkistrodon p. piscivorus [J. Biol. Chem. 259 (1984) 13839]. Ten years later, the first mapping of a 'toxic region' on a Lys49 PLA2 was reported, in Bothrops asper myotoxin II [J. Biol. Chem. 269 (1994) 29867]. After a further decade of research on the Lys49 PLA2s, a better understanding of their structural determinants of toxicity and mode of action is rapidly emerging, with myotoxic effector sites identified at the C-terminal region in at least four proteins: B. asper myotoxin II, A. p. piscivorus K49 PLA2, A. c. laticinctus ACL myotoxin, and B. jararacussu bothropstoxin I. Although important features still remain to be established, their toxic mode of action has now been understood in its more general concepts, and a consistent working hypothesis can be experimentally supported. It is proposed that all the toxic activities of Lys49 PLA2s are related to their ability to destabilize natural (eukaryotic and prokaryotic) and artificial membranes, using a cationic/hydrophobic effector site located at their C-terminal loop. This review summarizes the general properties of the Lys49 PLA2 myotoxins, emphasizing the development of current concepts and hypotheses concerning the molecular basis of their toxic activities.

Inflammatory oedema induced by phospholipases A2 isolated from Crotalus durissus sp. in the rat dorsal skin: a role for mast cells and sensory C-fibers

The ability of the phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)s) from Crotalus durissus cascavella, Crotalus durissus collilineatus and Crotalus durissus terrificus venoms and crotapotin to increase the vascular permeability in the rat skin as well as the contribution of both mast cells and sensory C-fibers have been investigated in this study. Vascular permeability was measured as the plasma extravascular accumulation at skin sites of intravenously injected 125I-human serum albumin. Intradermal injection of crotalic PLA(2)s (0.05-0.5 microg/site) in the rat skin resulted in dose-dependent increase in plasma extravascular whereas crotapotin (1 microg/site) failed to affect this response. Co-injection of crotapotin (1 microg/site) did not modify the increased vascular permeability induced by the PLA(2)s (0.05-0.5 microg/site). Previous treatment (30 min) of the animals with cyproheptadine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) markedly reduced PLA(2) (0.5 microg/site)-induced oedema. In rats treated neonatally with capsaicin to deplete neuropeptides, the plasma extravasation induced by all PLA(2)s (0.5 microg/site) was also significantly reduced. Similarly, the tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist SR140333 (1nmol/site) significantly reduced the PLA(2)-induced oedema. In addition, the combination of SR140333 with cyproheptadine further reduced the increased plasma extravasation by PLA(2) from C. d. cascavella venom, but not by PLA(2) from C. d. terrificus and C. d. collilineatus venoms. Our results suggest that increase in skin vascular permeability by crotalic PLA(2)s is mediated by activation of sensory C-fibers culminating in the release of substance P, as well as by activation of mast cells which in turn release amines such as histamine and serotonin.

Hyperalgesia induced by Asp49 and Lys49 phospholipases A2 from Bothrops asper snake venom: pharmacological mediation and molecular determinants

The ability of Lys49 and Asp49 phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)), from Bothrops asper snake venom, to cause hyperalgesia was investigated in rats, using the paw pressure test. Intraplantar injection of both toxins (5-20 micro g/paw) caused hyperalgesia, which peaked 1h after injections. Incubation of both proteins with heparin, prior to their injection, partially reduced this response. Chemical modification of Asp49 PLA(2) with p-bromophenacyl bromide (p-BPB), which abrogates its PLA(2) activity, also abolished hyperalgesia. Intraplantar injection of a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal sequence 115-129 of Lys49 PLA(2), caused hyperalgesia of similar time course, but varying magnitude, than that induced by the native protein. In contrast, a homologous peptide derived from the Asp49 PLA(2) did not show any nociceptive effect. Hyperalgesia induced by both PLA(2)s was blocked by the histamine and serotonin receptor antagonists promethazine and methysergide, respectively, by the bradykinin B(2) receptor antagonist HOE 140 and by antibodies to tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNFalpha) and interleukin 1 (IL-1). Pretreatment with guanethidine, atenolol, prazosin and yohimbine, inhibitors of sympathomimetic amines, or with indomethacin, inhibitor of the cyclo-oxygenase pathway, reduced Lys49 PLA(2)-induced hyperalgesia without interfering with the nociceptive activity of Asp49 PLA(2). The hyperalgesic response to both myotoxins was not modified by pretreatment with celecoxib, an inhibitor of the cyclo-oxygenase type II, by zileuton, an inhibitor of the lipoxygenase pathway or by N(g)-methyl-L-arginine (LNMMA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. These results suggest that Asp49 and Lys49 PLA(2)s are important hyperalgesic components of B. asper venom, and that Lys49 and Asp49 PLA(2)s exert their algogenic actions through different molecular mechanisms.

Effect of Bothrops leucurus venom in chick biventer cervicis preparations

Bothrops leucurus is a poorly studied pitviper found in northeastern Brazil. We examined the action of B. leucurus venom (5-100 microg/ml) on contractile responses in chick biventer cervicis preparations. Muscle damage was assessed by quantifying the release of creatine kinase (CK) and by histological analysis. B. leucurus venom dose-dependently inhibited the contractile responses of indirectly stimulated preparations, the maximum inhibition with 100 microg of venom/ml being 74.0+/-6.6% (mean+/-SEM) after 120 min. The venom also reduced contractures to exogenous acetylcholine (55 and 110 microM) and K(+) (13.4mM) (85-100% reduction with 100 microg of venom/ml) and increased the release of CK (348+/-139 U/ml in controls vs 1260+/-263 U/ml with 20 microg of venom/ml after 120 min, p<0.05). The accompanying morphological changes included multivacuolated, swollen, amorphous fibers and agglutinated myofibrils. These results indicate that B. leucurus venom can adversely affect neuromuscular transmission and produce muscle damage in avian preparations.

The role of phospholipases A2 in the stimulation of neutrophil motility by cobra venoms

Neutrophil (PMN) accumulation frequently occurs at the site of snakebite as part of the inflammatory response to envenoming. We demonstrate here that the venoms of the cobras, Naja naja and N. mossambica, and two purified venom phospholipase A(2)s (PLA(2)s) isolated from the latter venom, stimulate CD11b translocation from the PMN granule store to the plasma membrane and enhance neutrophil motility on collagen-coated surfaces. These effects were partially attenuated by the PLA(2) inhibitor, aristolochic acid, and almost completely abolished by the specific cytosolic PLA(2) inhibitor, methylarachidonylfluorophosphonate (MAFP). Annexin V and inhibitors of collagenase, cyclo-oxygenase and lipo-oxygenase, all inhibited PMN motility to a variable extent. FACS analysis and confocal microscopy showed that Annexin V interfered with binding and rapid endocytosis of the venom PLA(2). These results indicate that venom and venom PLA(2) preparations first caused a non-enzymatic stimulation of PMN leading to the activation of cytosolic PMN PLA(2) and production of arachidonate metabolites involved in stimulation of PMN degranulation and motility. The evidence suggests that venom PLA(2) then interacts with anionic phospholipids exposed on stimulated PMN, becomes endocytosed, and then contributes itself to the production of chemoattractants responsible for PMN accumulation at the site of the snakebite.

Human neutrophil migration in vitro induced by secretory phospholipases A2: a role for cell surface glycosaminoglycans

The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of type I- (porcine pancreas and Naja mocambique mocambique venom), type II- (bothropstoxin-I, bothropstoxin-II, and piratoxin-I), and type III- (Apis mellifera venom) secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) to induce human neutrophil chemotaxis, and the role of the cell surface proteoglycans, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and platelet-activating factor (PAF), in mediating this migration. The neutrophil chemotaxis assays were performed by using a 48-well microchemotaxis chamber. Piratoxin-I, bothropstoxin-I, N. m. mocambique venom PLA2 (10-1000 microg/mL each), bothropstoxin-II (30-1000 microg/mL), porcine pancreas PLA2 (0.3-30 microg/mL), and A. mellifera venom PLA2 (30-300 microg/mL) caused concentration-dependent neutrophil chemotaxis. Heparin (10-300 U/mL) concentration-dependently inhibited the neutrophil migration induced by piratoxin-I, bothropstoxin-II, and N. m. mocambique and A. mellifera venom PLA2s (100 microg/mL each), but failed to affect the migration induced by porcine pancreas PLA2. Heparan sulfate (300 and 1000 microg/mL) inhibited neutrophil migration induced by piratoxin-I, whereas dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate (30-1000 microg/mL each) had no effect. Heparitinase I and heparinase (300 mU/mL each) inhibited by 41.5 and 47%, respectively, piratoxin-I-induced chemotaxis, whereas heparitinase II and chondroitinase AC failed to affect the chemotaxis. The PAF receptor antagonist WEB 2086 (3-[4-(2-chlorophenyl)-9-methyl-6H-thienol-[3,2-f] -triazolo-[4,3-a] -diazepine-2-yl]-1-(4-morpholynil)-1-propionate) (0.1-10 microM) and the LTB4 synthesis inhibitor AA-861 [2-(12-hydroxydodeca-5,10-diynyl)-3,5,6-trimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone] (0.1-10 microM) significantly inhibited the piratoxin-I-induced chemotaxis. Piratoxin-I (30-300 microg/mL) caused a concentration-dependent release of LTB4. Our results suggest that neutrophil migration in response to sPLA2s is independent of PLA activity, and involves an interaction of sPLA2s with cell surface heparin/heparan binding sites triggering the release of LTB4 and PAF.