Studies on pharmacological properties of mucus and sting venom ofPotamotrygon cf. henlei

ABSTRACT

Stingrays from the Potamotrygon cf. henlei species are widely distributed in high numbers throughout therivers of central-west Brazil, being the source of numerous envenomations occurring in the dry season, posinga serious public health problem even if not properly reported. The accidents usually involve fishermen andbathers, and to date there is no effective treatment for the injured. Considering these facts and limitations ofstudies aiming at understanding the effects induced by P. cf. henlei envenoming, this study aimed to describethe principal pharmacological and certain biochemical properties of the mucus and sting venom. We foundthat mucus and sting venom is toxic to mice having nociceptive, edematogenic and proteolysis activities. Ourresults also indicate that the inflammatory cellular influx observed could be triggered by the venom andmucus. Furthermore the venom and mucus were partially purified by solid-phase extraction tested forantimicrobial activity in which only the mucus presented activity. It could be inferred from the present studythat P. cf. henlei venom possesses a diverse mixture of peptides, enzymes and pharmacologically activecomponents.