Analysis and characterization of potential venom ontogeny in two Honduran pitviper species

Kruger, Elise                                                                                                                               

elisekruger23@gmail.com

Kerwin, Samuel R.  

Mackessy, P. Stephen

Department of Natural and Health Sciences

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, Colorado USA

Understanding the biochemical ecology of venomous snakes is beneficial not only in the aspect of populational natural history, but in the assessment of potentially harmful interactions with humans. Snake bite is regarded as a neglected tropical disease by the WHO due to numerous reasons, and can be attributed to a lack of knowledge of the venom these animals possess. Proper envenomation treatment relies upon the thorough understanding of the venom components possessed by species within a specific region. In addition to each venom being unique to each species, venom composition can shift throughout an individual’s life to reflect dietary changes. Venom phenotypes can change following a shift in diet, which often occurs due to an increase in size. In two Honduran pit viper species specifically, Metlapilcoatlus indomitus and Bothriechis thalassinus, their venom warrants further investigation due to numerous factors. Until recently, the venom of these two species was hypothesized to be similar to other members of their respective genera. Along with diminutive venom knowledge, the species have gaps in information of natural history combined with lack of data on venom ontogeny. Venom samples from adults, subadults, and juveniles of each species were collected and have been used for analysis. Compositional investigation was performed using SDS-page gel electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to separate the venoms based on mass and hydrophobicity. The components were further identified utilizing mass spectrometry. Biochemical assays were run in order to quantify enzymatic capabilities of venoms across age groups and species. While not present in B. thalassinus, evidence does support the presence of an ontogenetic shift in M. indomitus.