INTRASPECIFIC VARIATION IN THE VENOM ELECTROPHORETIC PROFILE OF RECENTLY CAPTURED Crotalus durissus terrificus (LAURENTI, 1768) SNAKES

A. J. MAGRO(1), R. J. DA SILVA(1), P. R. R. RAMOS(2), A. L. CHERUBINI(1), M. R. HATAYDE(3)

(1)Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos da UNESP (CEVAP/UNESP), Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil; (2)Departamento de Física e Biofísica, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil, (3)Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brasil.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to compare individual venom samples of Crotalus durissus terrificus recently captured in the wild to evaluate possible differences in venom protein composition. Protein levels were quantified by biochemical method (Biuret) and then submitted to electrophoresis. Electrophoresis studies of native protein were performed in vertical slabs of polyacrylamide gel (PAGE), in an alkaline discontinuous buffer system, with a concentration of 10% in the separation gel. SDS-PAGE was performed in PhastGel® (8-25). Both gels were stained with Coomassie Blue. Gels were analyzed using the VDS-Pharmacia® device. Our results indicate that all analyzed venom samples showed different protein composition, although common protein fractions were detected in some individual samples. Differences were observed between the different individual venom samples and so in the same specimen in relation to the time of collection, for both techniques used. Diet did not influence the variability of venom composition. There is a significant difference in native venom protein composition of males and females.

KEY WORDS: Crotalus durissus terrificus, intraspecific variation, protein composition, venom, sex, feeding, electrophoresis.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

A. J. MAGRO - Centro de Estudos de Venenos e Animais Peçonhentos da UNESP (CEVAP/UNESP), Distrito de Rubião Júnior, CEP 18618-000, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil. Email angelomagro@zipmail.com.br