Apitoxin: Encyclopedia II - Apitoxin - Components of Apitoxin

Apitoxin - Components of Apitoxin

The main component is melittin comprising 52% of venom peptides. Melittin is one hundred times stronger than cortisol as an anti-inflammatory agent. It also prevents cell destruction in cases of strong inflammation.

Apamin increases cortisol production in the adrenal gland. Apamin also acts as a nerve toxin.

Adolapin, comprising 2-5% of the peptides, acts as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic because it blocks cyclooxygenase.

Phospholipase A2 comprises 10-12% of peptides and it is the most destructive component of apitoxin. It is an enzyme which degrades the phospholipids which cellular membranes are made of. It also causes decreased blood pressure and inhibits blood coagulation. Phospholipase A2 activates arachidonic acid which is metabolized in the cyclooxygenase-cycle to form prostaglandins. Prostaglandins regulate the body's inflammatory response. The toxin from wasps contains phospholipase A1.

Hyaluronidase comprising 1-3% of peptides dialates the capillaries causing the spread of inflammation.

Histamine comprises 5-2%, is involved in the allergic response.

Dopamine and noradrenaline which comprise 1-2% increase pulse rate.

Protease-inhibitors comprise 2% and act as anti-inflammatory agents and stop bleeding.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Components of Apitoxin", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki