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J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis. Vol.9, No.2, p.318, 2003. Conference - ISSN 1678-9199. |
MELGAREJO, A.R.(1)
(1)Divisão de Animais Peçonhentos, Instituto Vital Brazil, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, 24230–340, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro.
In the beginning of the twentieth century, the problem of snakebite in Brazil determined an interdisciplinary effort due to the severity of the accidents or their incidence. The main participant of this effort was the scientist Vital Brazil. In order to discuss the problem, the development of simultaneous scientific research in biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutics and therapeutics was necessary, together with an educational campaign, that still continueto nowadays. The main product, the serum–therapy development, solved the medical problems, but there are still some nebulous points in which the biological study of the snakes can bring some significant contributions. Good examples are our studies on two Viperidae snake species and their management in the serpentarium. Particularly in the case of the bushmaster, Lachesis muta, the biggest of our poisonous snakes, this represents a great challenge because of problems in captivity adaptation. Besides, the small production of venom -around 200 mg for extraction– and some particularities, as having the highest LD50 of the native pitvipers, difficult the production and control of the antivenom, it makes impossible biochemical and pharmacological researches. Oviparous species, and extremely dependent of the preserved forest environment, this snake will need high controlled environmental and sanitary conditions for the successful of the breeding. A high well directed capture effort in the nature will be needed. Another situation, difficult as well, we have with another snake, the jararacussu (Bothrops jararacussu), far away the biggest venom producer (up to 1.670 mg in our serpentarium). However, your venom is not well neutralized by the specific antivenom, as Vital Brazil had already shown in 1904. The particular diet and feeding behavior of this species can explain your venom gland hypertrophy.
CORRESPONDENCE TO:
MELGAREJO, A.R., Divisão de Animais Peçonhentos, Instituto Vital Brazil, Rua Vital BrazilFilho, 64, CEP 24230–340 Niterói, RJ, Brasil. Email: anibalmg@provide.psi.br