| dc.description | Bitis arietans is a medically important snake found in Sub-Saharan Africa. The envenomation
is characterized by local and systemic effects, and the lack of antivenoms aggravates the treatment.
This study aimed to identify venom toxins and develop antitoxins. The F2 fraction obtained from
Bitis arietans venom (BaV) demonstrated the presence of several proteins in its composition, including
metalloproteases. Titration assays carried out together with the immunization of mice demonstrated
the development of anti-F2 fraction antibodies by the animals. The determination of the affinity
of antibodies against different Bitis venoms was evaluated, revealing that only BaV had peptides
recognized by anti-F2 fraction antibodies. In vivo analyses demonstrated the hemorrhagic capacity of
the venom and the effectiveness of the antibodies in inhibiting up to 80% of the hemorrhage and 0%
of the lethality caused by BaV. Together, the data indicate: (1) the prevalence of proteins that influence
hemostasis and envenomation; (2) the effectiveness of antibodies in inhibiting specific activities of
BaV; and (3) isolation and characterization of toxins can become crucial steps in the development
of new alternative treatments. Thus, the results obtained help in understand | |
