Rhinella schneideri, previously known as Bufo paracnemis, is a common toad in many regions of Brazil. Its venom exerts important cardiovascular effects on humans and other animals.
Although this toad venom has been the subject of intense investigations, little is known about its neuromuscular activity.
Methods:
The neurotoxicity of a methanolic extract of R. schneideri venom was tested on mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND) preparations mounted for conventional twitch tension recording – in response to indirect stimulation – and for electrophysiological measurements.
Results:
Venom extract (50 mug/mL) increased the muscle twitch tension in PND preparations but did not significantly alter the resting membrane potential values.
Electrophysiological evaluations showed that the extract (50 mug/mL) significantly augmented the frequency of miniature end-plate potential (from 38 +/- 3.5 to 88 +/- 15 after 60 minutes; n = 5; p
Conclusion:
These results indicate that the methanolic extract of R.
schneideri venom acts primarily presynaptically to enhance neurotransmitter release in mouse phrenic-diaphragm preparations.
Author: Sandro Rostelato-FerreiraCháriston A Dal BeloGildo B LeiteStephen HyslopLéa Rodrigues-Simioni
Credits/Source: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases 2014, 20:30
Published on: 2014-07-04
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