This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
Variability in snake venom composition has been frequently reported and correlated to the adaptability of snakes to environmental conditions. Previous studies report plasticity for the venom phenotype. However, these observations are not conclusive, as the results were based on pooled venoms, which present high individual variability. Here we tested the hypothesis of plasticity by influence of confinement and single diet type in the venom composition of 13 adult specimens of Bothrops atrox snakes, maintained under captivity for more than three years. Individual variability in venom composition was observed in samples extracted just after the capture of the snakes. However, composition was conserved in venoms periodically extracted from nine specimens, which presented low variability restricted to the less abundant components. In a second group, composed of four snakes, drastic changes were observed in the venom samples extracted at different periods, mostly related to snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), the core function toxins of B. atrox venom, which occurred approximately between 400 and 500 days in captivity. These data show plasticity in the venom phenotype during the lifetime of adult snakes maintained under captive conditions. Causes or functional consequences involved in the phenotype modification require further investigations.
Diana R. Amazonas; Luciana A. Freitas-De-Sousa; Daniele P. Orefice; Leijiane F. De Sousa; Melissa G. Martinez; Rosa H. V. Mourão; Hipócrates M. Chalkidis; Plínio B. Camargo; Ana M. Moura-Da-Silva. Evidence for Snake Venom Plasticity in a Long-Term Study with Individual Captive Bothrops atrox. Toxins 2019, 11, 294 .
AMA StyleDiana R. Amazonas, Luciana A. Freitas-De-Sousa, Daniele P. Orefice, Leijiane F. De Sousa, Melissa G. Martinez, Rosa H. V. Mourão, Hipócrates M. Chalkidis, Plínio B. Camargo, Ana M. Moura-Da-Silva. Evidence for Snake Venom Plasticity in a Long-Term Study with Individual Captive Bothrops atrox. Toxins. 2019; 11 (5):294.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDiana R. Amazonas; Luciana A. Freitas-De-Sousa; Daniele P. Orefice; Leijiane F. De Sousa; Melissa G. Martinez; Rosa H. V. Mourão; Hipócrates M. Chalkidis; Plínio B. Camargo; Ana M. Moura-Da-Silva. 2019. "Evidence for Snake Venom Plasticity in a Long-Term Study with Individual Captive Bothrops atrox." Toxins 11, no. 5: 294.
Environmental devastation threatens the survival of many species, including venomous snakes such as the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. This observation is based on the decrease of snakes collected and donated to Brazilian research institutes. Nevertheless, some individuals have managed to survive and procreate. The question is how these snakes are adapting in these new environmental conditions. To answer it, the carbon-13 level of rattlesnakes and their feed (either laboratory or wild mice) was evaluated by isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Thus, rattle segments from 16 adults and 15 offspring of captive snakes, and of three wild newborn C. d. terrificus were evaluated as well as 17 Mus musculus mice captured in traps, four live feeder mice and the ration offered to mice at animal houses. The isotopic exchange time of the captive adult snakes (n = 16) varied between 33 and 37 months and of captive-born animals (n = 15), until reaching a plateau of equilibrium, varied from 18 to 24 months. Regarding the captured Mus musculus (n = 17), 88.23% (n = 15) were from a C4 environment. Of the six rattle rings from offspring of captured C. d. terrificus, five were from a C4 environment, whereas of the 170 rattle rings studied, 60% originated from a C3 environment and 40% from a C4. The same carbon-13 values were found in captive snakes. Based on the present results, it can be inferred that most C. d. terrificus snakes (60%) fed animals from a C3 environment; birds consist of an alimentary alternative for snakes, as well as rodents, small reptiles and amphibians; different venom compositions among snakes from the same region may be related to the food type; the primary rattle of offspring reflects the maternal diet during gestation; and, finally, the different rattle rings indicate the alimentary history of these animals.
Melissa Gaste Martinez; Carlos Ducatti; Evandro Tadeu Silva; Sávio Stefanini Sant'anna; Maria Márcia Pereira Sartori; Benedito Barraviera. Does the rattle of Crotalus durissus terrificus reveal its dietary history? Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases 2014, 20, 53 .
AMA StyleMelissa Gaste Martinez, Carlos Ducatti, Evandro Tadeu Silva, Sávio Stefanini Sant'anna, Maria Márcia Pereira Sartori, Benedito Barraviera. Does the rattle of Crotalus durissus terrificus reveal its dietary history? Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases. 2014; 20 (1):53.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMelissa Gaste Martinez; Carlos Ducatti; Evandro Tadeu Silva; Sávio Stefanini Sant'anna; Maria Márcia Pereira Sartori; Benedito Barraviera. 2014. "Does the rattle of Crotalus durissus terrificus reveal its dietary history?" Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases 20, no. 1: 53.
M. G. Martinez. Feeding history of Crotalus durissus terrificus snakes by the analysis of carbon-13 (δ13C) isotope from the rattle. Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases 2010, 16, 186 -187.
AMA StyleM. G. Martinez. Feeding history of Crotalus durissus terrificus snakes by the analysis of carbon-13 (δ13C) isotope from the rattle. Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases. 2010; 16 (1):186-187.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. G. Martinez. 2010. "Feeding history of Crotalus durissus terrificus snakes by the analysis of carbon-13 (δ13C) isotope from the rattle." Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases 16, no. 1: 186-187.