Cold stress induces specific antioxidant responses in honey bee brood

Multiple harmful factors cause chronic sub-lethal stress in managed honey bee colonies. In weak colonies, worker bees may not efficiently maintain the optimum temperature (33–36°C) peripheral brood development areas. A short period at 25°C induces physiological adjustments and increases mortality reared vitro. Molecular damage due to oxidative imbalance can be one of main causes when organisms are under stress. Here, we demonstrate that vitro rearing exposed 3 days sub-optimal (25°C) does lead H2O2 accumulation protein damage. Cold-stressed showed increased levels both total antioxidant status (TAS) expression peroxiredoxins PRX1 PRX4, but catalase activity. Results indicate specific defenses induced moderated cold enough keep control avoid major damages. It is concluded increase cold-stressed multifactor’s, beyond uncontrolled injuries.