Pharmacological Studies of Bee Venom and Its Components in the Dog.
Abstract
Bee venom is a complex mixture of chemical substances, the fractions of which appear to have unique pharmacological and physiological activities. In this study, crude bee venom was separated into eight fractions using a G75-40 Sephadex column. These fractions were lyophilized and reconstituted with saline just prior to injection into anesthetized dogs. Each fraction was analyzed for effect on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, EKG, respiration, and changes in plasma levels of cortisol. Fractions 1,2,6, and 8 produced no change in the parameters monitored. Fraction 3, (phospholipase A) produced a decrease in pressure, bradycardia, and respiratory paralysis which terminated in death. Fraction 4 produced modest physiological changes but no death. Fraction 5 (melittin) and fraction 7 (apamin) produced minor physiological changes; however, sharp elevation in plasma cortisol resulted and persisted for 24 hours. It could be that apamin and melittin specifically stimulate the adrenal cortex to release large quantities of corticosteroids. This increase could explain, in part, the observation that bee venom or one of its components alleviates some of the symptoms associated with arthritic-like conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA005033
Entities
People
- James A. Vick
- Leo L. Laughlin
- Robert B. Brooks Jr.
- Robert E. Washington
- William H. Shipman