Hematological Alterations in Albino Rats after Administration of Honeybee Venom

Bee venom is a complex mixture of proteins (enzymes and peptides) with unique pharmacological activities. The main enzymes in bee venom are hyaluronidase and phopholiphase A2. Melittin in high concentrations also has caused hemolysis of red blood cells. This study was conducted to evaluate effects of honeybee venom on hematological characteristics of albino rats. Rats were divided in 3 groups viz., A (Naive) group; B mammalian saline treated group and group C experimental Group treated with bee venom. The last group was divided in 3 subgroups (a 200μg dose, b 500μg dose and c 600μg dose). Rats showed primary symptoms of allergy. Hemoglobin and RBC were depleted and WBC lymphocytes and monocytes were increases, In conclusion, these results suggested that the venom peptides altered blood compositions.