[Basic peptides from bee venom, I: isolation, reduction and reoxidation of apamin and MCD-peptide (author's transl)]

A simple isolation of melittin, apamin and MCD-peptide from bee venom is described. The peptides were separated using Sephadex G-50 and Biogel P-4 followed by preparative column chromatography using silicagel. Apamin and MCD-peptide were converted to the tetra-S-sulfonate derivatives by oxidative sulfitolysis. After reduction of these derivatives by mercaptoethanol followed by cautious air-reoxidation, the disulfide bridges can be reconstituted. The biological activities of the reoxidation products are 50 to 60% for apamin and 70 to 80% for MCD-peptide.