Biochemical and biological evaluation of gyroxin isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom

Gyroxin, a thrombin-like enzyme isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom and capable of converting fibrinogen into fibrin, presents coagulant and neurotoxic activities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate such coagulant and toxic properties. Gyroxin was isolated using only two chrom...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Barros, L. C. [UNESP], Soares, A. M., Costa, F. L., Rodrigues, V. M., Fuly, A. L., Giglio, J. R., Gallacci, M. [UNESP], Thomazini-Santos, I. A. [UNESP], Barraviera, S. C.R.S. [UNESP], Barraviera, B. [UNESP], Ferreira, R. S. [UNESP]
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2011
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UNESP
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unesp.br:11449/226268
Acceso en línea:http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1678-91992011000100004
http://hdl.handle.net/11449/226268
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Coagulant activity
Crotalus durissus terrificus
Gyroxin
Neurotoxicity
Serine proteinase
Descripción
Sumario:Gyroxin, a thrombin-like enzyme isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom and capable of converting fibrinogen into fibrin, presents coagulant and neurotoxic activities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate such coagulant and toxic properties. Gyroxin was isolated using only two chromatographic steps - namely gel filtration (Sephadex G-75) and affinity (Benzamidine Sepharose 6B) - resulting in a sample of high purity, as evaluated by RP-HPLC C2/C18 and electrophoretic analysis that showed a molecular mass of 30 kDa. Gyroxin hydrolyzed specific chromogenic substrates, which caused it to be classified as a serine proteinase and thrombin-like enzyme. It was stable from pH 5.5 to 8.5 and inhibited by Mn2+, Cu2+, PMSF and benzamidine. Human plasma coagulation was more efficient at pH 6.0. An in vivo toxicity test showed that only behavioral alterations occurred, with no barrel rotation. Gyroxin was not able to block neuromuscular contraction in vitro, which suggests that its action, at the studied concentrations, has no effect on the peripheral nervous system.© CEVAP 2011.