In this study, we evaluated the edema and hyperalgesic response induced by BpirMP, a P-I class metalloproteinase isolated from Bothrops pirajai snake venom. The animals were injected with the metalloproteinase or sterile PBS (control group) and evaluated for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 24h. The intraplantar injection of BpirMP (5-50μg/paw) induced a dose- and time-dependent response. BpirMP (50μg) induced paw edema in rats rapidly, with peak response two hours after injection of the toxin. Also, BpirMP injection caused a significant reduction in the nociceptive threshold of the animals tested, with peak response three hours after injection of the toxin. The inflammatory mediators involved in these responses were assayed by pretreatment of animals with synthesis inhibitors or receptor antagonists. Peak responses were significantly reduced by pretreatment of animals with pyrilamine, a histamine receptor antagonist, sodium cromoglycate, a mast cell degranulation inhibitor and valeryl salicylate and meloxicam, cyclooxygenase inhibitors. The analysis of the peritoneal cavity exudate revealed an acute inflammatory response with recruitment of leukocytes, increased levels of total proteins, nitric oxide and the cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that BpirMP induces inflammation mediated by mast cell degranulation, histamine, prostaglandins and cytokine production.
Keywords: Bothrops pirajai; Edema; Inflammation; Metalloproteinase; Pain; Snake venom.
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