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Mastoparan induces hypothermia in mice
P Duvdevani1, J S Ishay, A Schejter
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Medical School, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
Experientia
|May 15, 1991
Summary
Mastoparan, a polypeptide from Oriental Hornet venom, causes hypothermia in mice. This venom component significantly lowers core body temperature, an effect observed with mastoparans from various wasp species.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mastoparan is a key bioactive peptide found in Hymenoptera venoms.
- Vespa orientalis venom contains mastoparan, a potent biologically active compound.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological effects of mastoparan from Vespa orientalis.
- To determine the hypothermic potential of mastoparan in a mammalian model.
Main Methods:
- Intraperitoneal injection of mastoparan into white mice.
- Monitoring of core body temperature following administration.
Main Results:
- Mastoparan induced a significant drop in murine core body temperature, from 38°C to as low as 33°C.
- The hypothermic effect commenced within 15 minutes and persisted for approximately one hour.
- Similar hypothermic effects were observed with mastoparans from other hornet and wasp venoms.
Conclusions:
- Mastoparan from Vespa orientalis venom is a potent hypothermic agent in mice.
- The hypothermic response to mastoparan is dose-dependent and reversible.
- Mastoparan represents a potential pharmacological tool for studying thermoregulation.