Lethality of venom sac extracts of the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) as related to ontogenesis

Peeking into the Stingers: A Comprehensive SWATH-MS Study of the European Hornet Vespa crabro (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) Venom Sac Extracts

This study aimed to investigate the venom sac extracts (VSEs) of the European hornet (EH) Vespa crabro (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), focusing on the differences between stinging females, gynes (G), and workers (W), at the protein level. Using a quantitative "Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Fragment Ion Mass Spectra" (SWATH-MS) analysis, we identified and quantified a total of 240 proteins. Notably, within the group, 45.8% (n = 110) showed significant differential expression between VSE-G and VSE-W. In this set, 57.3% (n = 63) were upregulated and 42.7% (n = 47) downregulated in the G. Additionally, the two-hundred quantified proteins from the class Insecta belong to sixteen different species, six of them to the Hymenoptera/Apidae lineage, comprising seven proteins with known potential allergenicity. Thus, phospholipase A1 (Vesp v 1), phospholipase A1 verutoxin 2b (VT-2b), hyaluronidase A (Vesp v 2A), hyaluronidase B (Vesp v 2B), and venom allergen 5 (Vesp v 5) were significantly downregulated in the G, and vitellogenin (Vesp v 6) was upregulated. Overall, 46% of the VSE proteins showed differential expression, with a majority being upregulated in G. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD047955. These findings shed light on the proteomic differences in VSE between EH castes, potentially contributing to our understanding of their behavior and offering insights for allergy research.

Evoked potential changes in cats following injection of an extract from the venom sac of the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis)

Venom sac extract from the hornet Vespa orientalis was injected (via the subclavian artery) into cats and its effects on evoked potentials in two different sensory pathways (auditory and somatosensory) was investigated. A comparison was made between the venom sac extract from adult hornets and that from young (0-24 hr of age) hornets. There was a bimodal change in blood pressure, a hypothermic effect and a decrease in amplitude of the last waves of the auditory and somato sensory pathways when venom sac extract of adult hornets was injected. Venom sac extract from young hornet workers had the same influence on the blood pressure, did not affect thermoregulation and the effect on the auditory and somato sensory pathways were less consistent. Adult venom sac extract had mainly a central effect whilst the venom sac extract from young hornets (in larger doses) affected the central and/or peripheral nervous system. The central effects could be interpreted as due to opening of the blood-brain barrier by the venom.

Inhibition of protein synthesis by an extract of the venom sac of the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis)

Venom from young and adult hornets inhibit protein synthesis in human lymphocytes and platelets, but does not affect the synthesis of DNA and RNA. The venom activity is decreased by dialysis, and diminished more by boiling.

Catecholamines in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) and various vespid (Hymenoptera) venoms

Liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was used to separate, identify and quantitate the levels of dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) present in the venoms of honey bees of known ages and of DA and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in various species of vespid wasps. Fluorescence histochemistry corroborated the presence of amines in honey bee venom glands and reservoirs and supported the quantitative results. The results show: (i) There is an age dependent variation in DA and NA levels in honey bee venom and there may be a similar variation in DA and 5-HT in the venom of queen Dolichovespula arenaria. (ii) There appears to be a seasonal variation in the quantities of DA and NA present in honey bee venom. Such a seasonal variation may be one of the factors involved in the variation in the levels of amine components present in the various vespid wasp venom samples. (iii) 5-HT is present in much greater quantities than DA in vespid venoms. Low levels of NA and DOPA are present in vespid venoms.

Anticholinesterase-like activity by oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) venom and venom sac extract

Oriental hornet venom or venom sac extract produces pharmacological and toxicological effects typical of anticholinesterase agents. The effects produced in animals can be counteracted by atropine and heparin.