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

Figure 5

Electron micrographs of neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and synaptic morphometry of control (a), BmjeTX-I-treated (b), and BmjeTX-II-treated (c) chick biventer cervicis preparations. (a) Observe the bouton filled with synaptic vesicles (sv), intact mitochondria (m), and presynaptic membrane (arrow) associated with an unfolded but highly contrasted postsynaptic membrane due to the presence of acetylcholine receptors (double arrow). (b, c) Distorted terminal button, undefined axolemma (arrow), reduction of synaptic vesicles (#), and swollen mitochondria are present in the terminals; M: muscle fibre. (d)–(f) Graphical demonstration of terminal bouton area (d), mean number of synaptic vesicles per bouton (e), and relative number of synaptic vesicles per terminal bouton area (f) for control, BmjeTX-I, and BmjeTX-II groups. The bars with same uppercase letters indicate that there was significant difference (; ; ); data are mean ± SD one-way ANOVA plus Bonferroni posttest ( per treatment).

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