![]() Hornet venoms contain particularly high levels of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is actually a neurotransmitter that’s also produced in our bodies, but in wasp and hornet venom, it helps stimulate pain receptors, heightening the pain felt from the sting and venom. As well as variations in percentages of the different components, they also contain the compound acetylcholine, not commonly found in bee venoms. There are, though, some differences in the chemical composition. Like bee venom, they also contain phospholipase A, the enzyme hyaluronidase, and histamine. The precise composition of wasp and hornet venom isn’t as well known as that of bees, but we still have a decent idea of what the major components are. The peptides that are found in the venoms are termed ‘wasp kinin’ and ‘hornet kinin’ respectively these aren’t as well characterised as the peptides in bee venom, however. MCD peptide, another minor component of the venom, can also cause mast cells in the body to release more histamine, worsening inflammation. The proteins in the sting can cause an allergic reaction, leading to the release of even more histamine, and possible anaphylaxis. A small amount of histamine is found in bee venom histamine is one of the compounds released by the body during the allergic response, and can cause itchiness and inflammation. Other, smaller molecules can also contribute towards painful effects. This enzyme destroys phospholipids, and also breaks down the membranes of blood cells, resulting in cell destruction additionally, unlike the majority of larger molecules in the venom, it causes the release of pain-inducing agents. Yet another enzyme, hyaluronidase, aids the action of the venom by catalysing the breakdown of protein-polysaccharide complexes in tissue, allowing the venom to penetrate further into the flesh. However, it’s not considered the most harmful component of bee venom that prize goes to an enzyme that makes up around 10-12%, phospholipase A. ![]() Melittin is a peptide that comprises around 50-55% of dry venom, and is a compound that can break up cell membranes, resulting in the destruction of cells. The main toxic component of bee venom, also referred to as apitoxin, is melittin. From this point onward, we’ll consider the percentages of compounds purely in the venom itself. When the bee stings, the venom is mixed with water, so the actual composition of the substance it injects into you is around 88% water and 12% venom. Unlike many other insect venoms, we have a relatively good idea of the percentage breakdown of the venom of your average bee. We’ll start with the venom about which we know the most – that of bees. The range of compounds is far too vast to detail every single one – but we can examine some of the major constituents in bee, wasp, hornet and ant venom. You could be forgiven for thinking that it must be a relatively simple company of chemicals that makes up the painful sensation of a bee or wasp sting, but in fact a hugely complex mixture of all sorts of compounds – proteins, peptides, enzymes, and other smaller molecules – go into a small amount of venom. ![]() Insect venoms are complicated. Really complicated.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |