Comparison of Hyaluronidase Activity from some Brazilian Snake Venoms. 

Papa, M.G.; Bomfim, J.H.G.G.; Arantes, E.C.

Lab. de Toxinas Animais - Depto. de Física e Química - FCFRP-USP

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme found in venom of several species of animals, such as bees, wasps, lizards, snakes, spiders, scorpions and fishes. It is considered to be the "spreading factor" of toxic compounds from animal venoms. This "spreading" ability is due to the hydrolysis of the glycosaminoglycans in connective tissues. The aim of the present study is to investigate the hyaluronidase activity of different Brazilian snake venoms.

We have tested the hyaluronidase enzymatic activity from the venom of Bothrops (Bothropsalternatus, Bothrops asper, Bothrops atrox, Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops jararacussu, Bothrops moojeni, Bothrops neuwiedi and Bothrops pirajai), Crotalus (Crotalusdurissus terrificus and Crotalus durissus cascavella) and Micrurus (Micrurus corallinus and Micrurus frontalis) genus. The activity assay was performed using the turbidymetric assay and SDS-PAGE in which hialuronan was incorporated.

In order to find optimal conditions for hyaluronidase activity, the venoms were incubated for 30 minutes at different pHs (2 to 10) and temperatures (0 to 90°C). The results showed that the best activity is found for pH from 5.0 to 6.0 temperature from 30 to 40°C for all venoms.

The specific activity (turbidity red

ucing units/mg) of venoms from Crotalus genus (208.3 to 384.6) was higher than found for Bothrops (34.1 to 53.3) or Micrurus (12 to 25). The SDS-PAGE results confirmed the presence of very active hyaluronidase in the venoms of Crotalus durissus cascavella, Crotalus durissus terrificus and Bothrops jararacussu.

Financial support: FAPESP and CNPq

Correspondence to: marinagpa@hotmail.com