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Rhabdomyonecrosis experimentally induced in Wistar rats by Africanized bee venom
M M Azevedo-Marques1, D B Ferreira, R S Costa
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
Damage is reported to skeletal muscle experimentally induced in Wistar rats by Africanized bee venom (ABV). Rhabdomyonecrosis was demonstrated indirectly by increased serum levels of the enzymes aspartate-aminotransferase and total creatine kinase, and directly by necrosis and inflammation observed by standard light microscopy of skeletal muscle. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a systemic damaging effect of ABV on skeletal muscle of experimentally envenomated rats. These data appear to reproduce experimentally some of the findings reported in cases of human envenomation due to multiple Africanized bee stings.
Insights
Africanized bee venom (ABV) causes skeletal muscle damage in rats, indicated by elevated enzymes and microscopic evidence of rhabdomyonecrosis. This study is the first to report systemic muscle damage from ABV in experimental envenomation.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pathology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Africanized bee venom (ABV) envenomation can cause severe health issues.
- Skeletal muscle damage is a potential but underreported consequence of bee stings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Africanized bee venom on skeletal muscle in an experimental rat model.
- To document the biochemical and histological evidence of muscle damage induced by ABV.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were experimentally envenomated with Africanized bee venom.
- Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total creatine kinase (CK) were measured.
- Skeletal muscle tissue was analyzed using standard light microscopy for signs of necrosis and inflammation.
Main Results:
- Experimental envenomation with ABV led to increased serum levels of AST and CK in rats.
- Microscopic examination revealed necrosis and inflammation in the skeletal muscle of envenomated rats.
- These findings indicate rhabdomyonecrosis as a direct result of ABV exposure.
Conclusions:
- Africanized bee venom induces systemic skeletal muscle damage (rhabdomyonecrosis) in a rat model.
- The study provides the first experimental evidence of ABV's detrimental effects on skeletal muscle.
- Findings may help explain clinical observations in humans experiencing multiple Africanized bee stings.