Histopathological changes in mouse and rat skin injected with venom sac extracts of the oriental hornet ( Vespa orientalis)

Abstract

ICR white and C57 black mice and Charles Rivers rats were injected intradermally with a dialysed extract of venom sac of the Oriental hornet. Changes were observed throughout the skin. The epidermis underwent hyperplasia and hairless patches and depigmentation were observed in black mice. Acute inflammation spread throughout the dermis, evolving into a chronic form. The muscle fibers showed degeneration. The extent of the changes was dependent upon the species involved: the C57 black mice were the most affected and the rats the least.