Abstract
The fraction between 950 and 4000 Da of the venom of Apis mellifera has been analyzed with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and statistical facilities of the ClinProTools™ software. Consistent differences in the composition of this venom fraction were observed between queens and workers while younger and older workers (nurses and guards as well as foragers) differ for the relative percentages of two well known cytolytic peptides, namely Melittin and Apamin. Total in situ body methanol extracts and methanol micro-extractions on the cuticle of various parts of the body of drones and females confirmed that venom peptides are smeared on the body surface of females in a not yet clarified way. The observation that venom peptides have been found also on comb wax rises the hypothesis that the use of venom as antimicrobial agent makes part of the social immunity system of A. mellifera.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
