Since it is known that neutrophils play a central role in innate immunity and have the ability to adhere and migrate, degranulate, ingest particles by phagocytosis and release inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Witko-Sarsat et al., 2000), we conducted experiments in order to verify the effect of BbV on hydrogen peroxide production. After 90 min of incubation the venom significantly stimulated human neutrophils to produce hydrogen peroxide compared to the negative control; however, there was no difference when
compared with PMA (a positive control). BbV induced a significant release of hydrogen peroxide indicating that the BbV is able to stimulate neutrophils to activate the respiratory
burst. In addition to our data, the literature shows that Bothrops alternatus venom induced the release of superoxide anion, another reactive oxygen intermediate, by mice thioglycollate-elicited macrophages (Setubal et al., 2011). Yet, the literature indicates that the injection of B.
asper and Bothrops jararaca venoms in the peritoneal cavity of mice induced the production of hydrogen peroxide by peritoneal leukocytes meaning they are capable of priming leukocytes for the respiratory burst (Souza et al., 2012; Zamunér et al., 2001).