Hepatotoxic effects of repeated administration of oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) venom.
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.
Neuman
M G
MG
Institut of Gastroenterology, Liver Diseases and Nutrition, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
Ishay
J S
JS
Waron
M
M
Scapa
E
E
Eshchar
J
J
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*
D014862:Wasp Venoms; D001619:beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases