Apoptosis induced by a snake venom metalloproteinase from Bothrops alternatus venom in C2C12 muscle cells.

In this study, the apoptosis inducing effects of baltergin as well as its influence on cell adhesion and migration on muscles cells in vitro were studied. Morphological analysis made by scanning electron and phase contrast microscopy demonstrated typical futures of programmed cell death, apoptosis. This mechanism was confirmed by fluorescence staining, molecular analysis of endonuclease activity and increased mRNA expression level of two representative genes (p53 and bax).