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Bee Sting Venom
Name: Philip
Status: other
Age: 50s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2000-2001
Question:
what type of acid is in a bee sting
Replies:
The question reflects a common misunderstanding about the nature of bee
venom. While anyone who receives a sting might think that she/he had
received an acid burn, one of the main components of bee venom, mellitin, is
actually a highly basic peptide which is cytotoxic or kills cells. Bee venom
also contains several identified enzymes that further act to destroy tissue
and, not surprisingly, are found in inflammatory cells that are drawn into
the reaction to the sting. Acting specifically on local pain receptors, this
soup of reactive peptides can make the victim feel that massive damage has
been done. The most dangerous aspect of a sting, however, lies in its
induction of an allergic reaction; hypersensitive individuals can be at high
risk of death from their own reaction to the toxins that are allergens.
Dr. Dinsmore
Hi Philip...many species of bees and wasps have
2 poison glands, one secrets a toxin that between
others have formic acid as constituent, and the
other secrets an alkaline neurotoxin; if the
poisons act independently they are quite mild, but
when they are inject together through
the stinger, the combination has strong
irritating properties.
And thanks for asking Newton!
Mabel
(Dr. Mabel Rodrigues)
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Update: June 2012
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