Bothrops asper metalloproteinase BaP1 is inhibited by alpha(2)-macroglobulin and mouse serum and does not induce systemic hemorrhage or coagulopathy

The ability of the P-I metalloproteinase BaP1, isolated from the venom of the snake Bothrops asper, to induce systemic bleeding, thrombocytopenia and defibrinogenation was assessed in an experimental mouse model. Intravenous administration of BaP1 caused neither systemic bleeding nor any evidence of pathology in lungs, kidneys, liver, heart and brain. Moreover, there were no alterations in the whole blood clotting time or in platelet numbers. In addition, BaP1 did not inhibit collagen-induced platelet aggregation in vitro. Proteolytic and hemorrhagic activities of BaP1 were readily inhibited by the plasma proteinase inhibitor, alpha2-macroglobulin, and normal mouse serum also inhibited hemorrhage. Such inhibition may explain why BaP1 induces multiple local tissue-damaging effects, but is largely devoid of systemic toxicity. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.