Presynaptic Proteins as Markers of the Neurotoxic Activity of BmjeTX-I and BmjeTX-II Toxins from Bothrops marajoensis (Marajó Lancehead) Snake Venom

Figure 4

Electron micrographs of chick biventer cervicis preparations incubated in Krebs solution (control, (a)–(c)), BmjeTX-I ((d)–(f)), and BmjeTX-II ((g)–(i)) toxins. No alterations were observed in control ((a)–(c)). Treated preparations ((d)–(i)) displayed hypercontracted myofilaments (mi) and loss of typical sarcomeres (S) organization, edema (#), mitochondria (m), swelling, and cristae deprivation. Myonuclei (N) of some fibres showed apoptotic-like phenotype and intramuscular nerve fibres were affected (); n: neurofilaments; arrows: blurred Z line ( per treatment).

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