Osteopontin, a chemotactic protein with cytokine-like properties, is up-regulated in muscle injury caused by Bothrops lanceolatus (fer-de-lance) snake venom

► Osteopontin as a mediator in Bothrops lanceolatus snake venom model of muscle regeneration. ► We correlate OPN expression during muscle damage and regeneration following B. lanceolatus envenoming. ► A biphasic OPN upregulation occurred during acute stage of inflammation and myogenic cell proliferation and differentiation. ► The expression of OPN by myogenic cells, macrophages and fibroblasts suggests involvement in the pathogenesis process. ► OPN expression during myoblasts proliferation, migration and fusion into myotubes may reflect a key-role in these events.