Toxicological and biomedical aspects of bee venom Apis mellifera

Abstract

Bee venom includes organic components of low and high molecular weight such as simple peptides like apamin, polypeptides like mellitin and enzymes like phospholipase A2 and hyaluronidase. It was recently demonstrated that some citrates are also important components of this venom. Mellitin and phospholipase A2 are the main and more abundant components, around 75%, in a ratio of 3:1; mellitin interacts with human red blood cells membranes producing hemolysis; and phospholipase A2, the main allergen of the venom, may act as blocking agent causing respiratory paralysis. Apamin represents about 2% of the total venom; it is less toxic than the aforementioned substances and acts as a motor neurotoxin; it is also responsible for triggering a cardiostimulant effect similar to that of adrenergic drugs; it has antiarrhythmic properties as well. Peptide MCD (Mast Cell Degranulation factor) constitutes 2% of the venom, and it is one of the components responsible for histamine and serotonin release. Additionally, other components have been identified such as acid phosphatase, norepinephrine, dopamine and histamine. This review discusses aspects of the conformation and function of the bee stinging apparatus, of venom composition and action and ofs the behavior and habits of these insects. Finally, handling and treatment of bees bites are discussed. Applied aspects of the European and Africanized bees are compared.