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Mechanism of action of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) venom on different types of muscles

Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt

Aida A Hussein

Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt

Samy M Zalat

Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt

Miran Kh Rakha

Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt

1 The effect of crude honeybee (Apis mellifera)venom on the skeletal, smooth as well as cardiac muscles were studied in this investigation.

2 Perfusion of gastrocnemius-sciatic nerve preparation of frogs with 1 mg/ml venom solution has weakened the mechanical contraction of the muscle without recovery. Blocking of nicotinic receptors with 3 mg/ml flaxedil before bee venom application sustained normal contraction of gastrocnemius muscle.

3 The electrical activity of duodenum rabbits was recorded before and after the application of 1 mg/ml venom solution. The venom has depressed the amplitude of the muscle contraction after 15 min pretreatment with atropine nearly abolished the depressor effect of the venom on smooth muscle.

4 In concentrations from 0.5-2 mg/ml, bee venom caused decrease of heart rate of isolated perfused toad heart. This bradycardia was accompanied by elongation in the P-R interval. A gradual and progressive increase in the R-wave amplitude reflected a positive inotropism of the venom. Application of 5 mg/ml verapamil, a calcium channels blocking agent, abolished the noticed effect of the venom.

5 Marked electrocardiographic changes were produced within minutes of the venom application on the isolated perfused hearts, like marked injury current (elevation or depression of the S-T segment), atrioventricular conduction disturbances and sinus arrhythmias. Atropine and nicotine could decrease the toxic effect of the venom on the myocardium.

6 Results of the present work lead to the suggestion that bee venom is mediated through the peripheral cholinergic neurotransmitter system. General neurotoxicity of an inhibitory nature involving the autonomic as well as neuromuscular system are established as a result of the venom, meanwhile a direct effect on the myocardium membrane stabilization has been suggested.

Key Words: honey bee venom • ECG • muscles

Human & Experimental Toxicology, Vol. 17, No. 3, 185-190 (1998)
DOI: 10.1177/096032719801700311


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