What is it about?
We investigated the participation of botrocetin, a snake venom protein, and von Willebrand factor, a protein found in human plasma, in the thrombocytopenia (decrease in platelet count in blood) induced by the venom of a snake found in South America.
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Why is it important?
We used two animal models to show that neither botrocetin nor von Willebrand factor is not important for causing the decrease in platelet counts during snakebites.
Perspectives
Envenomation by snakebites is a major burden to tropical and subtropical areas in the world. Many snake species produce venoms that, when injected into victims, cause bleedings and other associated symptoms and signs. This work aimed to understand the mechanisms that lead to a fall in blood platelet counts after bites by a snake that inhabits in southeastern Brazil, the lance-headed snake Bothrops jararaca (popularly known as jararaca). We hope that this article helps physicians to treat patients bitten by this snake.
Marcelo Larami Santoro
Instituto Butantan
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Involvement of von Willebrand factor and botrocetin in the thrombocytopenia induced by Bothrops jararaca snake venom, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, September 2021, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009715.
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