Insect Body Defence Reactions against Bee Venom: Do Adipokinetic Hormones Play a Role?

Abstract

Bees originally developed their stinging apparatus and venom against members of their own species from other hives or against predatory insects. Nevertheless, the biological and biochemical response of arthropods to bee venom is not well studied. Thus, in this study, the physiological responses of a model insect species (American cockroach, Periplaneta americana) to honeybee venom were investigated. Bee venom toxins elicited severe stress (LD50 = 1.063 uL venom) resulting in a significant increase in adipokinetic hormones (AKHs) in the cockroach central nervous system and haemolymph. Venom treatment induced a large destruction of muscle cell ultrastructure, especially myofibrils and sarcomeres. Interestingly, co-application of venom with cockroach Peram-CAH-II AKH eliminated this effect. Envenomation modulated the levels of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins in the haemolymph and the activity of digestive amylases, lipases, and proteases in the midgut. Bee venom significantly reduced vitellogenin levels in females. Dopamine and glutathione (GSH and GSSG) insignificantly increased after venom treatment. However, dopamine levels significantly increased after Peram-CAH-II application and after co-application with bee venom, while GSH and GSSG levels immediately increased after co-application. The results suggest a general reaction of the cockroach body to bee venom and at least a partial involvement of AKHs.

Molecular identification and lipid mobilization role of adipokinetic hormone receptor in Spodoptera litura (F.)

“…This physiology will supply enengy for insect locomotion (McDougall and Steele, 1988; Giulivi et al ., 2008). Lipids metablism also contribute to embryogenesis in insects (Ciudad et al ., 2007) and body defence (Mullen and Goldsworthy, 2003; Mendes et al ., 2008; Bodláková et al ., 2021). But the role of AKH on the regulation or feedback of these gene expression is poorly understood.…”