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

Abstract

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

Cardiovascular profile after intravenous injection of Africanized bee venom in awake rats

“…Atropine and nicotine may decrease the toxic effect of the venom on the myocardium. The present results lead us to suggest that the effect of ABV is mediated through the peripheral cholinergic neurotransmitter system 20 .…”

Effects of Purified Tick Saliva Toxins on Various Bio-Molecules in Blood Serum, Liver and Muscles of Albino Mice

“…At an intravenous dose of 1 µg/mL g/mL, raw saliva toxin also disrupts bone, stomach and myocardial activity and reduces the amplitude of muscle contraction 15 min after injection. In contrast, concentrations between 0.5 and 2.0 g/mL caused a decrease in heart rate (bradycardia) and an increase in P-R interval prolongation (Nabil et al, 1998). Specifically, tick saliva toxins block sodium channels in, the heart, skeletal and brain muscles (Datiles et al, 2008).…”

A Review of Honeybee Venom Allergens and Allergenicity

“…Melittin is responsible for the cardiotoxicity of bee venom, causing both dysfunctions of heart contractions and morphological changes (e.g., balloon degeneration) [96]. This peptide can cause bradycardia, arrhythmias, and atrioventricular blocks [97]. Melittin also interferes with the transport of certain substances through the membranes of renal tubular cells [98].…”