Received: March 7, 2006.

Accepted: July 29, 2006.

Abstract published online: August 29, 2006.

Full paper published online: February 28, 2007.

CYTOSKELETON, ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM AND NUCLEUS ALTERATIONS IN CHO-K1 CELL LINE AFTER Crotalus durissus terrificus (SOUTH AMERICAN RATTLESNAKE) VENOM TREATMENT

TAMIETI B. P. (1), DAMATTA R. A. (2), COGO J. C. (3), DA SILVA N. S. (1), MITTMANN J. (4), PACHECO-SOARES C. (1)

(1) Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Biology, Institute of Research and Development, Vale do Paraíba University, São José dos Campos, São Paulo State, Brazil; (2) Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Biology, Center for Biosciences and Biotechnology, State University of Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil; (3) Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Research and Development, Vale do Paraíba University, São José dos Campos, São Paulo State, Brazil; (4) Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunobiologics, Institute of Research and Development, Vale do Paraíba University, São José dos Campos, São Paulo State, Brazil.

ABSTRACT: Snake venoms are toxic to a variety of cell types. However, the intracellular damages and the cell death fate induced by venom are unclear. In the present work, the action of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus venom on CHO-K1 cell line was analyzed. The cells CHO-K1 were incubated with C. d. terrificus venom (10, 50 and 100g/ml) for 1 and 24 hours, and structural alterations of actin filaments, endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus were assessed using specific fluorescent probes and agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA fragmentation. Significant structural changes were observed in all analyzed structures. DNA fragmentation was detected suggesting that, at the concentrations used, the venom induced apoptosis.

KEY WORDS: cell culture, actin filaments, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Crotalus, rattlesnake venom, apoptosis.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: There is no conflict.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

CRISTINA PACHECO SOARES, Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, 12244-000, São José dos Campos, SP, Brasil. Phone: 55 12 3947 1143. Fax: 55 12 3947 1149. Email: cpsoares@univap.br.