1
|
Zamora D, Klotz SA, Meister EA, Schmidt JO. Repellency of the Components of the Essential Oil, Citronella, to Triatoma rubida, Triatoma protracta, and Triatoma recurva (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae). J Med Entomol 2015; 52:719-721. [PMID: 26335480 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The kissing bugs--Triatoma rubida (Uhler), Triatoma protracta (Uhler), and Triatoma recurva (Stal)--are common hematophagous bugs in southeastern Arizona and responsible for severe allergic reactions in some individuals who are bitten. They also possess the potential to transmit the blood parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. We previously found the essential oil, citronella, to be an excellent deterrent of feeding of T. rubida on a restrained mouse. In this work, we tested major components--alcohols, aldehydes, and monoterpenes--of citronella oil for repellency against the three common triatome species endemic in southern Arizona. The following citronella oil components--geraniol, citronellol, limonene, and citronellal--in different concentrations and combinations were tested. All components of citronella oil demonstrated some inhibition of feeding, ranging from very weak inhibition (limonene) to significant inhibition (geraniol and citronellol). A mixture of geraniol and citronellol was found to be repellant at concentrations of .165 and .165 vol%, respectively, for all three triatome species. Citronellal and limonene had no significant repellent activity. The repellent activity of citronella oil appears to be acting through direct contact with the bugs rather than diffusion of vapors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Zamora
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724
| | - S A Klotz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724.
| | - E A Meister
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724. deceased
| | - J O Schmidt
- Southwestern Biological Institute, 1961 W. Brichta Dr., Tucson, AZ 85745
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schmidt JO, O'Neill KM, Fales HM, McDaniel CA, Howard RW. Volatiles from mandibular glands of male beewolves (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae,Philanthus) and their possible roles. J Chem Ecol 2013; 11:895-901. [PMID: 24310274 DOI: 10.1007/bf01012076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/1984] [Accepted: 10/15/1984] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Observations of wasp behavior indicate that male beewolves,Philanthus basilaris andP. bicinctus apply a "marking pheromone" to the leaves and stems of plants within their territories. We now provide direct evidence for the presence of volatile chemicals in the paired mandibular glands of the males, provide preliminary identification of these volatiles, and show that all of the volatile chemicals in the mandibular glands are present on freshly marked plant surfaces but are absent from unmarked plants. Pyrazines, which have been reported in other species of aculeate wasps including the EuropeanPhilanthus triangulum, were not found inP. basilaris orP. bicinctus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J O Schmidt
- Carl Hay den Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS, 2000 E. Allen Road, 85719, Tucson, Arizona
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
McDaniel CA, Howard RW, O'Neill KM, Schmidt JO. Chemistry of male mandibular gland secretions ofPhilanthus basilaris cresson andPhilanthus bicinctus (Mickel) (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae). J Chem Ecol 2013; 13:227-35. [PMID: 24301802 DOI: 10.1007/bf01025883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/1985] [Accepted: 02/13/1986] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Detailed chemical characterizations are provided for the species-specific mixtures of marking pheromones utilized by the male beewolvesPhilanthus basilaris andP. bicinctus. Successful analysis of these complex mixtures of 2-ketones, fatty acids, ethyl esters, and aldehydes was facilitated by the treatment of the crude extracts with 1,1-dimethylhydrazine and direct analysis of the resulting hydrazones, methyl esters, and starting ethyl esters by GC-MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A McDaniel
- National Monitoring and Residue Analysis Laboratory, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Box 3209, 39505, Gulfport, Mississippi
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
McDaniel CA, Schmidt JO, Howard RW. Mandibular gland secretions of the male beewolvesPhilanthus crabroniformis, P. barbatus, andP. pulcher (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae). J Chem Ecol 2013; 18:27-37. [PMID: 24254630 DOI: 10.1007/bf00997162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/1991] [Accepted: 09/16/1991] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The composition of the territorial marking pheromones from mandibular glands of males of the beewolvesPhilanthus crabroniformis, P. barbatus, andP. pulcher have been determined. The structures of the components were elucidated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The major compound ofP. crabroniformis is isopropyl tetradecanoate, with somewhat lesser amounts of 2-tridecanone, 3-methyl-3-butenyl tetradecanoate, and 92∶8 (Z)∶(E)-11-eicosen-1-ol. The major compounds ofP. barbatus are ethyl tetradecanoate and hexadecanal, which are present in approximately a 60∶40 ratio. These two compounds comprise over 95% of the neutral lipids. Also present in lesser amounts are ethyl dodecanoate, tetradecanal, hexadecan-1-ol, a Δ (x) -octadecen-1-ol, and octadecan-1-ol. The major compounds ofP. pulcher are ethyl (Z)-7-hexadecenoate and geranylgeraniol acetate, which comprise nearly 90% of the neutral lipid fraction, with smaller amounts of tetradecanal, pentadecanal, and ethyl hexadecanoate; trace amounts of Δ (x) hexadecenal, hexadecanal, and octadecanal are also present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A McDaniel
- Forestry Sciences Laboratory, USDA-Forest Service, Box 2008 GMF, 39505, Gulfport, Mississippi
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schmidt JO. Attraction of reproductive honey bee swarms to artificial nests by Nasonov pheromone. J Chem Ecol 2013; 20:1053-6. [PMID: 24242302 DOI: 10.1007/bf02059741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/1993] [Accepted: 12/28/1993] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A crossover experimental design was established to test the attractancy of Nasonov pheromone to reproductive swarms of honey bees. Nineteen swarms were attracted to artificial nest cavities containing a slow-release blend of the Nasonov components citral, geraniol, and nerolic + geranic acids, and only four swarms were attracted to pheromone-free artificial nests. The results indicate that Nasonov pheromone plays a key role in the attraction of honey bee swarms to nest cavities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J O Schmidt
- Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, USDA-ARS, 2000 E. Allen Road, 85719, Tucson, Arizona
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Terriquez JA, Klotz SA, Meister EA, Klotz JH, Schmidt JO. Repellency of DEET, picaridin, and three essential oils to Triatoma rubida (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae). J Med Entomol 2013; 50:664-667. [PMID: 23802464 DOI: 10.1603/me12282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The kissing bug, Triatoma rubida (Uhler) is a common hematophagous bug in Tucson, AZ, and is responsible for causing severe allergic reactions in some bitten individuals. DEET, picaridin, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and citronella oil were tested for repellency to T. rubida and its ability to probe and feed on a small restrained rat. No long range repellency was observed with any of the test materials. The lowest repellent concentrations observed were: 10% DEET, 7% picaridin; 30% tea tree oil, 3.3% peppermint oil, and 0.165% citronella oil. Only citronella oil was able to stop all probing and feeding by T. rubida. Citronella oil appears to be a promising potential repellent to prevent sleeping people from being bitten by kissing bugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Terriquez
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Scharsack JP, Steinhagen D, Kleczka C, Schmidt JO, Körting W, Michael RD, Leibold W, Schuberth HJ. Head kidney neutrophils of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) are functionally modulated by the haemoflagellateTrypanoplasma borreli. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2003; 14:389-403. [PMID: 12711273 DOI: 10.1006/fsim.2002.0447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In the present work responses of carp (Cyprinus carpio) head kidney-derived neutrophils to the blood parasite T. borreli, and the consequences of these responses for parasite survival and other host response mechanisms, were studied. In co-cultures of head kidney leucocytes (HKL) with viable and lysed T. borreli a prominent shape change of neutrophilic granulocytes towards increased size and complexity was observed. In addition, the longevity of neutrophils in vitro was prolonged in the presence of T. borreli antigens. In these cultures, neutrophils also exhibited an increased phagocytosis activity. An up regulation of the production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed in T. borreli- and mitogen-stimulated HKL cultures. However, addition of live, fluorescence-labelledT. borreli to previously stimulated HKL cultures, revealed neither killing nor phagocytosis of the parasite by activated neutrophils. Moreover, viable T. borreli, when added to HKL cultures of infected carp, reduced their phagocytosis activity and NO production. Supernatants of co-cultures between T. borreli and HKL also contained mediators, which suppressed a mitogen-induced proliferative response of peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL) in vitro. Thus, while T. borreli itself appeared not to be sensitive to responses of activated neutrophils, the flagellates interferes with the production of immunomodulatory signals of these cells, probably resulting in a partial immunosuppression, which may favour the parasite development in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Scharsack
- Fish Disease Research Unit, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, P.O. Box 711180, D-30545, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Scharsack JP, Steinhagen D, Kleczka C, Schmidt JO, Körting W, Michael RD, Leibold W, Schuberth HJ. The haemoflagellate Trypanoplasma borreli induces the production of nitric oxide, which is associated with modulation of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) leucocyte functions. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2003; 14:207-222. [PMID: 12681277 DOI: 10.1006/fsim.2002.0430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In an attempt to characterise the role of nitric oxide (NO) in immune responses of carp, carp leucocytes obtained during an acute T. borreli infection were examined, for their capacity to generate NO. In a second set of experiments the impact NO on viability of the parasite and on the modulation of functional carp leucocyte responses were tested in vitro. Both in carp head-kidneys and in the peripheral blood, the fractions of lymphoblasts among separated leucocytes were increased. However, the relative proportions of granulocytes among head-kidney leucocytes (HKL) significantly decreased during infection, whereas granulocytes appeared among peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL). The cellular dynamics of HKL and PBL of infected carp were paralleled by an enhanced spontaneous NO release in vitro. NO production was further increased after addition of viable parasites to these cultures. The hypothesis that NO had a possible role in granulocyte activation and lymphocyte proliferation in carp was supported by the reduction of mitogen-induced proliferative responses of PBL from healthy carp in the presence of NO donor substances. The negative effects of NO on lymphocyte proliferation were contrasted by enhancing effects on granulocyte functions: the inhibition of NO generation in T. borreli-stimulated HKL cultures by the l-arginine analogue L-NMMA reduced the viability of granulocytes and their phagocytic activity. Even massive amounts of nitric oxide produced by donor substances (up to 600 micromol l(-1) NO(-)(2)) caused no reduction in the numbers of viable T. borreli flagellates in vitro. Thus, in carp, T. borreli seems to induce high amounts of NO in vivo which are apparently not harmful for the parasite but which may interfere with co-ordinated interactions of activated cells aiming at the defence of the parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Scharsack
- Fish Disease Research Unit, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, P.O. Box 711180, D-30545 Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Clarke SR, Dani FR, Jones GR, Morgan ED, Schmidt JO. (Z)-3-hexenyl (R)-3-hydroxybutanoate: a male specific compound in three North American decorator wasps Eucerceris rubripes, E. conata and E. tricolor. J Chem Ecol 2001; 27:1437-47. [PMID: 11504038 DOI: 10.1023/a:1010373427774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The males of the decorator wasps Eucerceris have been observed to display abdomen-dragging behavior on plants surrounding their nest. It is thought that this applies a territorial-marking sex pheromone that serves to alert females to the males' territory for courtship and mating. The extracts of three species E. rubripes, E. conata, and E. tricolor have been analyzed by GC-MS. The gas chromatograms revealed the presence, in large quantities, of one common volatile compound in the male head extracts. By analogy with the closely related bee wolves Philanthus, we believe the pheromone is produced in the mandibular glands. Utilizing mass spectrometry, microreactions, FT-IR, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy the structure of the pheromone was proposed to be (Z)-3-hexenyl 3-hydroxybutanoate, which was confirmed by synthesis. The absolute configuration of the chiral center was determined to be R for the three species by preparing the Mosher esters of the insect samples and comparing their GC retention times with a synthetic sample of known absolute configuration. In addition 2- and 3-hexenoic acid and some aromatic compounds were also found in varying quantities in both males and females along with hydrocarbons and fatty acids, although no species-specific profiles emerged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S R Clarke
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Lennard-Jones Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schmidt JO, Eno AE, Carpenter JM. Are we as toxinologists overlooking vouchers? Toxicon 2000; 38:321-2. [PMID: 10669021 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-0101(99)00170-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
11
|
|
12
|
|
13
|
Sobonya RE, Schmidt JO. Not a "bee-zoar," but a wasp. N Engl J Med 1997; 337:575; author reply 576. [PMID: 9265112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
14
|
|
15
|
Schoeters E, Billen J, Schmidt JO. Venom gland morphology in Pepsis pallidolimbata pallidolimbata and biological use and activity of Pepsis venom. CAN J ZOOL 1997. [DOI: 10.1139/z97-122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spider wasps, i.e., the family Pompilidae, in general, and those belonging to the genus Pepsis in particular, are acknowledged to possess venoms that are algogenic to humans and thus have the parsimonious functions of causing paralysis and providing defense against predators. The morphological organization of the venom system and its complex convoluted gland closely resembles that in social members of the Vespidae. These features distinguish the venom glands of the Pompilidae from those of the sibling family Mutillidae as well as those of the family Sphecidae, which lack convoluted glands. Although the venom glands in Pepsis species are very similar in morphology to those of social vespids, the lethality of Pepsis venom to mammals is several times less than that of the social common wasps. These findings suggest that in terms of the evolution of venom activity and the associated glandular structures, there was apparently no need for social wasps to develop extra parts of the venom system for producing toxic, lethal, or powerful algogenic components. All of the glandular parts of the venom gland of social wasps were already present in pompilids (and eumenids) and, presumably, in their ancestors.
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
The volatile secretion emanating from the cephalic part of the paired labial gland in male bumblebees of three North American species, viz. Bombus sonorus Say, Bombus huntii Greene and Psithyrus insularis (F. Smith) has been analysed by GC-MS and GC-FTIR. The secretion, which is deposited as a marking secretion on various objects along a repetitive flight path, is composed of isoprenoids, (acyclic sesqui- and diterpenes) and straight-chain fatty acid derivatives (alcohols containing 14, 16 and 18 carbon atoms, and odd numbered hydrocarbons ranging from 23 to 27 carbons). The secretions are species-specific with just a few major components. In B. sonorus (Z)-11-octadecen-1-ol is the main compound accompanied by geranylgeraniol and tetradecan-1-ol; in B. huntii the dominating compound is trans-2,3-dihydrofarnesol and it also contains (Z)-11-octadecen-1-ol and hexadecan-1-ol; P. insularis is characterized by geranylcitronellol, together with the (Z)-11-octadecen-1-ol and hexadecan-1-ol. These results agree with analyses of 36 species and two forms of Scandinavian bumblebees analysed previously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Bergström
- Department of Chemical Ecology, Botanical Institute, Göteborg University, Sweden
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
The venoms of Apis dorsata, A. cerana, A. florea, and three different populations of A. mellifera were compared for lethal activity toward mice. All venoms exhibited identical activities, a finding consistent with recent evolutionary history within the genus. Young queen honeybees use their venoms only for stinging other queens and possess a venom only half as lethal to mice as worker venom, and by the time queens are 1-2 years of age their venom has become essentially inactive. Phospholipase A2 is the most lethal of the honeybee venom peptides, whereas melittin, which is only slightly less lethal, is the most abundant. Concurrent analyses of melittin, phospholipase, and the combination of the two at their natural 3:1 mixture in bee venom revealed that the lethal activity of the mixture was about the same as native honeybee venom. This value was less than that for either melittin or phospholipase alone and indicates that synergism of the two peptides is not occurring. The results are consistent with independent lethal activities for the venom components, and show that melittin is not only the dominant, but also the main lethal component in honeybee venom.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J O Schmidt
- Southwestern Biological Institute, Tucson, AZ 85745, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
|
19
|
|
20
|
Polanowski A, Wilusz T, Blum MS, Escoubas P, Schmidt JO, Travis J. Serine proteinase inhibitor profiles in the hemolymph of a wide range of insect species. Comp Biochem Physiol B 1992; 102:757-60. [PMID: 1395509 DOI: 10.1016/0305-0491(92)90075-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
1. The inhibition of trypsin, chymotrypsin, neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G, and pancreatic elastase by the hemolymph of 14 insect species in six orders has been investigated. 2. All samples showed great diversity in terms of both total proteinase inhibitory capacity and specificity. 3. The highest total inhibitory capacity was found in the larval hemolymph of species in the beetle family Tenebrionidae and the lowest in that of an adult coreid bug, Acanthocephala femorata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Polanowski
- Institute of Biochemistry, Wroclaw University, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Schumacher MJ, Schmidt JO, Egen NB, Dillon KA. Biochemical variability of venoms from individual European and Africanized honeybees (Apis mellifera). J Allergy Clin Immunol 1992; 90:59-65. [PMID: 1629508 DOI: 10.1016/s0091-6749(06)80011-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
To study biochemical differences between venom from individual honeybees, venom sacs from 103 European (EU) bees and 92 Africanized bees representing 12 different colonies were dissected, and the dry weight (DW) of venom from each bee was determined. Venom from each of these bees was studied with isoelectric focusing and functional assays for phospholipase A2 and melittin. Phospholipase concentrations in individual EU bee venoms varied between 1.8% and 27.4% (wt/wt). The melittin concentration in EU bee venom varied less and, on the average, was found to be much lower than previously reported. There was an eightfold to ninefold difference between lowest and highest venom sac DW contents, suggesting the possibility of highly variable venom delivery from bee stings. One EU bee contained greater than 300 micrograms of venom, three times the recommended maintenance dose for venom immunotherapy. Isoelectric focusing also demonstrated large differences between individual bees, with respect to major and minor components of their venoms. Africanized bees contained significantly less venom but more phospholipase than did EU bees. Bee venoms from different colonies differed in their DW content and in their concentrations of phospholipase and melittin. The results are relevant to the uncertainty of responses from sting challenges and field stings in allergic patients and massive stinging attacks on normal subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Schumacher
- Steele Memorial Children's Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson 85724
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Piek T, Duval A, Hue B, Karst H, Lapied B, Mantel P, Nakajima T, Pelhate M, Schmidt JO. Poneratoxin, a novel peptide neurotoxin from the venom of the ant, Paraponera clavata. Comp Biochem Physiol C Comp Pharmacol Toxicol 1991; 99:487-95. [PMID: 1685425 DOI: 10.1016/0742-8413(91)90276-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
1. At concentrations varying from 10(-8) to 10(-6) M synthetic poneratoxin (PoTX) is a strong, but very slowly acting agonist for smooth muscles and its blocks synaptic transmission in the insect CNS in a concentration-dependent manner and depolarizes giant interneurons. 2. However, in isolated dorsal unpaired median cells 10(-6) M PoTX causes only a reversible hyperpolarization of about 5 mV. 3. At concentrations from 10(-8) to 10(-6) M PoTX affects the electrical activity of isolated cockroach axons, as well as isolated frog and rat skeletal muscle fibres. 4. PoTX prolongs action potentials and induces slow automatic activity, due to a slow Na(+)-current activation at very negative values of potential and due to slow deactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Piek
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Piek T, Hue B, Mantel P, Nakajima T, Schmidt JO. Pharmacological characterization and chemical fractionation of the venom of the ponerine ant, Paraponera clavata (F.). Comp Biochem Physiol C Comp Pharmacol Toxicol 1991; 99:481-6. [PMID: 1685424 DOI: 10.1016/0742-8413(91)90275-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
1. The neurotoxic action of the venom of the ponerine ant, Paraponera clavata, was studied using a cascade of mammalian smooth muscle preparations and a preparation for investigating transmission from fibres of the cercal nerve to a giant interneuron in the sixth abdominal ganglion of the cockroach. 2. The venom contains three toxic fractions that block synaptic transmission in the insect central nervous system. 3. Two of these fractions have agonistic action on mammalian smooth muscle preparations. 4. One of the later fractions was characterized pharmacologically as containing a kinin. 5. The other, and most active neurotoxic fraction, was rechromatographed, resulting in the purification of a peptide of 25 amino acids residues, called poneratoxin, PoTX: Phe-Leu-Pro-Leu-Leu-Ile-Leu-Gly-Ser-Leu-Leu-Met-Thr-Pro-Pro-Val-Ile-Gln- Ala-Ile-His-Asp-Ala-Gln-Arg-HN2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Piek
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Venom from Africanized honey bees (derived mainly from Apis mellifera scutellata) was compared with venom from domestic, European bees by study of lethality, immunological cross-reactivity, venom yield, isoelectric focusing (IEF) patterns, and melittin titers. The LD50s of European and Africanized bee venom by iv injection in mice were similar. In venom neutralization experiments, Africanized bee venom was mixed with antibodies from a beekeeper exposed only to European bees and used to challenge mice. Survival times of mice given these mixtures were significantly prolonged, indicating that human serum antibodies to European bee venom neutralized the lethal effects of Africanized bee venom. Reservoirs from Africanized bees contained less venom than European bees (94 and 147 micrograms venom/bee, respectively) and Africanized bee venom had a lower melittin content. The IEF patterns of venom from individual European bees varied considerably, as did IEF patterns of individual Africanized bees. Pools of venom from 1,000 bees of each population of A. mellifera showed noticeable but less obvious electrophoretic differences. The findings suggest that multiple stinging, and not increased venom potency or delivery, is the cause of serious reactions from Africanized bee attacks.
Collapse
|
25
|
|
26
|
Piek T, Schmidt JO, de Jong JM, Mantel P. Kinins in ant venoms--a comparison with venoms of related Hymenoptera. Comp Biochem Physiol C Comp Pharmacol Toxicol 1989; 92:117-24. [PMID: 2566431 DOI: 10.1016/0742-8413(89)90212-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
1. Venom preparations have been made of six ant, one pompilid wasp, two mutillid wasp, and four social wasp species. 2. The venoms were analysed pharmacologically in order to detect kinin-like activity. 3. Due to the small amounts of venoms available only a cascade of smooth muscle preparation could be used. 4. Kinin activities have been found in five ant venoms and in four social wasp venoms. 5. No kinin activity has been found in the venoms of the pompilid and mutillid wasps. 6. All ant venoms also contain unidentified agonists for vertebrate smooth muscle preparations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Piek
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shipman BA, Ryan RO, Schmidt JO, Law JH. Purification and properties of a very high density lipoprotein from the hemolymph of the honeybee Apis mellifera. Biochemistry 1987; 26:1885-9. [PMID: 3109474 DOI: 10.1021/bi00381a015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A larval-specific very high density lipoprotein (VHDL) has been isolated from the hemolymph of the honeybee Apis mellifera. VHDL was isolated by a combination of density gradient ultracentrifugation and gel filtration. The purified protein is a dimer of Mr 160,000 apoproteins as shown by chemical cross-linking with dimethyl suberimidate. N-Terminal sequence analysis indicates that the two polypeptide chains are identical. The holoprotein contains 10% lipid by weight and 2.6% covalently bound carbohydrate. A native Mr 330,000 species was obtained by gel permeation chromatography. Antiserum directed against VHDL was used to show that VHDL is distinct from other hemolymph proteins and appears to constitute a novel lipoprotein of unknown function. However, the lipoprotein is present in high amounts in hemolymph only at the end of larval life, suggesting a potential role in lipid transport and/or storage protein metabolism during metamorphosis.
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Venoms from 20 species of stinging Hymenoptera, including nine species of ants and nine species of social wasps, were quantitatively analyzed for the following enzymic activities: phospholipase A, hyaluronidase, lipase, esterase, protease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and phosphodiesterase. Phospholipase and hyaluronidase were present in all the venoms, with activity levels generally higher among the wasps than the ants (P less than 0.05). Lipase was present in high activity in several social wasp venoms and one ant venom, in low levels in two other ant venoms and absent from four tested snake venoms. Two-carbon esterase activity was present in the venoms of five social wasps and one ant. Non-specific protease was present at very high activity levels in the venoms of an army ant species and was also present in the venoms of a social wasp and another ant. Acid phosphatase activity was present in eight of the nine ant venoms, but was essentially absent from all the social wasp venoms. Alkaline phosphatase activity was clearly detectable in the venoms of only two species of ants. Phosphodiesterase, an enzyme not previously detected in insect venoms, was present in the venoms of three closely related ant species. Venoms with generally high enzymic activities included those of Polistes infuscatus, Vespula (V.) squamosa and Pogonomyrmex badius; those with low activities included Dolichovespula maculata, Apoica pallens and Dasymutilla lepeletierii. The 20 venoms were ranked according to overall activity levels using the eight enzyme activities plus lethal, hemolytic and pain-inducing activities. They were also compared phylogenetically using these 11 activities.
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
The i.v. LD50 values to mice of pure venoms of Vespa mandarinia japonica, V. simillima xanthoptera, V. tropica deusta and V. l. luctuosa were, respectively, 4.1, 3.1, 2.8 and 1.6 mg/kg. The LD50 value of 1.6 mg/kg distinguishes the venom of V. luctuosa as the most lethal known wasp venom. To measure the absolute lethality of a single sting, a new index, called lethal capacity, based on the amount of venom possessed by an individual and its lethality is presented. V. mandarinia and V. tropica are the most venomous known insects, with a lethal capacity of one sting from V. mandarinia delivering an LD50 (i.v.) dosage of venom to 270 g of mouse. The lethal capacity for an entire hornet colony, called colony lethal capacity, for V. tropica is 84 kg of mouse/colony.
Collapse
|
30
|
Robbs SL, Ryan RO, Schmidt JO, Keim PS, Law JH. Lipophorin of the larval honeybee, Apis mellifera L. J Lipid Res 1985; 26:241-7. [PMID: 3989383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Most insects have a major lipoprotein species in the blood (hemolymph) that serves to transport fat from the midgut to the storage depots in fat body cells and from the fat body to peripheral tissues. The generic name lipophorin is used for this lipoprotein. In larvae of the honeybee, Apis mellifera, a lipophorin has been found with properties that correlate well with those of the only other lipophorin reported for an immature insect, that of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. The honeybee lipophorin (Mr = 530,000) has a density of 1.13 g/ml, contains approximately 41% lipid and 59% protein, and contains two apoproteins, apoLp-I, Mr = 250,000 and apoLp-II, Mr = 80,000, both of which are glycosylated. The lipids consist predominantly of polar lipids, of which phospholipids and diacylglycerols represent 60% of the total. When the intact lipophorin is treated with trypsin, apoLp-I is rapidly proteolyzed, while apoLp-II is resistant, indicating a difference in exposure of the two apoproteins to the aqueous environment. Honeybee apoLp-II cross-reacts with antibodies to M. sexta apoLp-II, but not to anti-M. sexta apoLp-I. No cross-reactivity of honeybee apoLp-I to anti-M. sexta apoLp-I was observed.
Collapse
|
31
|
|
32
|
Bernheimer AW, Avigad LS, Schmidt JO, Ishay JS. Proteins in venoms of two wasps, Polistes comanchus navajoe and Vespa orientalis. Comp Biochem Physiol C Comp Pharmacol 1982; 71:203-7. [PMID: 6122535 DOI: 10.1016/0306-4492(82)90037-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
1. By means of gel electrophoresis the basic proteins in venoms of Polistes comanchus navajoe and Vespa orientalis were resolved into 6 and 5 proteins respectively, all of molecular weights greater than 15,000. 2. Several proteins appeared to be similar in both venoms. 3. The main component of P. comanchus venom responsible for hemolysis was isolated, and data concerning its thermolability, molecular weight (approximately 26,000) and amino acid composition show that unlike the cytolytic components of bee and ant venoms which are small peptides, the corresponding functional entity of P. comanchus venom (polistin) is a protein having the characteristics of an enzyme.
Collapse
|
33
|
|
34
|
|
35
|
Schmidt JO, Seabrook WD, Ross RJ, Darvesh S, Lonergan G. Spruce budworm: Roles of pheromone components and analogues in male disruption and attraction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1980. [DOI: 10.1007/bf01953744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
36
|
|
37
|
|
38
|
|
39
|
Abstract
The mammalian toxicity of the potently algogenic venom of the ant Pogonomyrmex badius is greater than that reported for any other insect venom. This enzyme-rich venom contains high concentrations of phospholipase A2 and B, hyaluronidase, acid phosphatase, lipase, and esterases. This hemolytic secretion from the poison gland products unusual symptoms in mammals and appears to have been evolved as a deterrent for vertebrate predators.
Collapse
|
40
|
|
41
|
Schmidt JO, Blum MS. The biochemical constituents of the venom of the harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex badius. Comp Biochem Physiol C Comp Pharmacol 1978; 61C:239-47. [PMID: 30583 DOI: 10.1016/0306-4492(78)90137-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
42
|
Heydorn K, Skanborg PZ, Gwozdz R, Schmidt JO, Wacks ME. Determination of lithium by instrumental neutron activation analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1977. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02520521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|