Since some colubrids can cause human envenomation, the importance of studies relating biological mechanisms to their venom apparatus is crucial. The present work dealt with morphological and histochemical characteristics of Duvernoy's gland of six opisthoglyphous colubrid species. The Duvernoy's gland of most species presented characteristics of a seromucous gland, except that of Oxyrhopus guibei, which did not show positive reaction to proteins indicating a mucoserous feature. We found variation in the quantity of serous cells among the species. This variation may be related to the presence of substances rich in carbohydrate-protein complex, and consequently to the toxic function of the secretion.
Serpentes; Colubridae; Duvernoy's gland; morphology; histochemistry
