Effect of low-level laser on hyperalgesia induced by Bothrops moojeni venom

• Grant number: 12/12428-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2012
• End date: August 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - General Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Stella Regina Zamuner
• Grantee: Victória Regina da Silva Oliveira
• Host Institution: Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE). Campus Vergueiro. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In Brazil, Bothrops snakes are responsible for the majority of snakebites, presenting serious systemic effects. Also, they induce a pathophysiological framework characterized by local reactions such as hemorrhage, edema, myonecrosis, and pain. Antivenom is still the only effective therapeutic treatment for Bothrops snakebites. However, the antivenom, despite its effective action on the systemic framework, hardly neutralizes local reactions. For this reason, the demand to bring alternative approaches to the usual treatment has been the target of interest and new procedures are highly relevant for neutralization and/or decreasing the degenerative effects as well as the acceleration of the regenerative process. Treatment with low-level laser (LLL) has been introduced into clinical practice for the treatment of inflammatory disorders of various origins. Moreover, data obtained by our group demonstrated that LLL reduces the edema and hemorrhage formation induced by the injection of B. moojeni and two myotoxins isolated from this venom. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of LLL on local inflammatory pain caused by B. moojeni snake venom. The effect of LLL on the hyperalgesia induced by B. moojeni venom will be evaluated by mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity of the animals by in vivo models for evaluation of pain sensitivity. Thus, this study will provide a better understanding of the pathophysiological effects observed in the local site of the B. moojeni envenoming, as well as a new therapeutic approach to promote more efficient and/or complementary effects.(AU)