Hepatotoxicity Induced by the Oriental Hornet (Vespa orientalis) Venom Sac Extract

Abstract

Experiments were performed to investigate the nature of the in vitro and human liver damage exposed to hornets' acute or repeated stings. The hornet investigated is the one ubiquitous in Israel - Vespa orientalis. Experiments were performed in living cats and rats, after single or multiple exposures to venom-sac extracts (VSE) and in various doses. The injury was demonstrated by the increased levels of enzymes, bile acids and cholesterol in serum. Also measured was Beta-N-acetyl hexosaminidase (BNAH) which probably is the only biochemical indicator available of Kupffer-cell function. This, too, was found increased. Other experiments consisted of perfusion of the isolated, intact, rat liver in situ with measurements of enzyme leakage into perfusate and of bile flow. Another set of experiments involved the effects of VSE on in vitro monolayer tissue culture of rat embryos' livers. We examined damage to organelles and compared the damage produced by intact VSE with that produced by the venom sac extract after treatment by heat or dialysis. Light morphology, special stains, electron microscopy and morphometry were all performed. In the first set of experiments no shock was observed in cats and rats exposed to VSE. The increases in enzymes' activity in serum and liver perfusion fluid were significant. Histochemistry indicated decrease of hepatic glycogen and of cellular succinic dehydrogenase as well as hepatic fat infiltration and an increase of alkaline phosphatase activity in liver cells close to the bile capillaries.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinical manifestations of wasp stings: a case report and a review of literature

“…Studies where animals were experimentally injected with wasp venom, demonstrated a significant elevation of liver enzymes along with markers of Kupffer cell damage. Similar observations were made when the perfusion of the isolated, intact, rat liver in situ, while measuring the liver enzyme leakage into the perfusate and bile [55,56]. Light microscopy and histochemistry showed foci of hepatic necrosis, a decrease in glycogen content and in succinic dehydrogenase activity, some fat infiltration and an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity.…”

Skin and Soft Tissue Necrosis Following Hymenoptera Sting

“…1 Among the delayed reactions are liver necrosis and death from venom-induced liver damage. 8 In the literature, there is no reported skin and local soft tissue necrosis after Hymenoptera stings, and such reactions are not included in the current classification systems. 2,9 However, only a similar case of rapid aggressive soft tissue necrosis developing after a species of Cantharide beetle sting in Western Africa was reported.…”

Wasp-stung rat model translationally expresses the coagulopathy manifestations of human wasp patients

“…Massive wasp envenomation would cause severe and systemic allergic reactions and anaphylaxis; it also results in severe delayed toxin-mediated systemic reactions, including coagulopathy, 18 hemolysis, 19 rhabdomyolysis, 7 acute renal failure, 20 and hepatotoxicity. 8 This phenomenon is probably due to the activated mast cells or basophils that they release the mediators such as heparin and tryptase. 21 Subsequently, heparin can act as an anticoagulant by binding to anti-thrombin.…”

“…5 Mesenteric ischemia, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, and hepatotoxicity have been diagnosed as delayed toxin-mediated systemic reactions of wasp venoms. 6,7,8 Severe systemic reactions by wasp venoms manifested as hemolytic activity and rhabdomyolysis, leading to diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, adult respiratory distress syndrome, coagulation dysfunction and multiple organ failure. 3,9 There were no thrombi or emboli, but there was an abruptly tapering of mesenteric arteries.…”