Identification and characterization of the first endogenous phospholipase A inhibitor from a non-venomous tropical snake, (Serpentes: Boidae).

Background: Endogenous phospholipase A inhibitors from snake blood (sbPLIs) have been isolated from several species around the world, with the primary function of self-protection against the action of toxic phospholipases A In American snakes, sbPLIs were solely described in pit vipers, in which the natural protection role is justified. In this study, we described a sbPLI in (popularly known as ), a non-venomous snake species from America.

Methods: PLA inhibitory activity was tested in the blood plasma of using venom as the enzyme source.