Rocha e Silva, the snake venom and 50th anniversary of bradykinin discovery

RESUMO

In this article we emphasize the importante of the snake venom toxins for the development of the autopharmacology concept (Sir Henry Dale, 1933) and how they led to the discovery of bradykinin and to the development of the first active-site directed inhibitor of the angiotensin converting enzyme. We also describe the most recent development concerning the possible role of bradykinin potentiating peptides from Bothrops jararaca venom for the cardiovascular pharmacology. A fundamental step leading to what can be considered one of the most significant contributions given by Brazilian scientists to biomedical sciences, was originated in the efforts of Rocha e Silva to identify and characterize the actors involved in anaphylaxis. His main scientific motivation and efforts which influenced a whole generation of prominent Brazilian scientists, should be reminded when we are commemorating the 50th anniversary of the bradykinin discovery. One important consequence of the use of the Bothrops jararaca venom leading to the discovery of bradykinin was the development of captopril, the most successful drug used by milions of people all over the world to treat arterial hypertension. The purpose of this article is to dissect some of the historical background which aim to stress the need for the adequate scientific environment allowing the privileged scientific minds to uncover secrets of Nature for the benefit of mankind.