title: Hepatotoxic effects of repeated administration of oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) venom.
abstract: Venom sac extract (VSE) of the Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) has been shown to exert a toxic effect on hepatic cells. The present work set out to examine its effect on liver cells using serum levels of a lysosomal hydrolase as a marker of injury in rats. Serum activities of beta-N-acetyl hexosaminidase (BNAH; EC 3.2.1.30) were found to be positively correlated with the number of treatments received by the rats. The maximal elevation occurred from the third to the sixth day and comprised a 2-3-fold increase over the control mean level. This enhancement effect was reversible. The rat envenomend for 2 wk showed 3.5 times as much BNAH activity as in control rats. Biochemical analysis revealed increased specific activity of the lysosomal enzyme in rats treated repeatedly with VSE.
authors: Institut of Gastroenterology, Liver Diseases and Nutrition, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
authors: M G
authors: MG
authors: Neuman
authors: J S
authors: JS
authors: Ishay
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Waron
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Scapa
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Eshchar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013997:Time Factors; D014862:Wasp Venoms / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D001619:beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D014862:Wasp Venoms; D001619:beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases