The escape behavior of a cockroach may not occur when it is either in a quiescent state or after being stung by the jewel wasp (Ampulex compressa). In the present paper, we show that quiescence is an innate lethargic state during which the cockroach is less responsive to external stimuli. The neuronal mechanism of such a state is poorly understood. In contrast to quiescence, the venom-induced l...

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) has been reported to develop after a hymenoptera sting, but its pathogenesis is not known in detail. Myelin basic protein (MBP)specific T cells have been detected in the blood of patients with ADEM, and a proportion of these patients develop multiple sclerosis (MS). In an attempt to understand the mechanisms underlying ADEM, molecular mimicry between ...

BACKGROUND Insect sting reactions are frequently reported, but population studies documenting the frequency and the relation to IgE-sensitization and serum tryptase are scarce. METHODS Questionnaire data and results from measurements of specific IgE against venom, major allergens and cross-reacting carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) were collected from 2,090 adult participants in a cross-sectio...

wasp or insect stings in the past (which would have hypothetically favored a hypersensitivity reaction). In this case, the proximity of the sting (on the eyelid) to the CNS may have been a factor in causing the elevated CSF pressures as a result of intracranial inflammation due to the potentially neurotoxic wasp venom. No other cause for the elevated CSF pressures could be found (our patient wa...

Wasp venom can trigger local and systemic reactions, with the kidneys being commonly affected, potentially causing acute kidney injury (AKI). Despite of recent advances, our knowledge on underlying mechanisms toxicity targeted therapies remain poor. AKI result from direct nephrotoxic effects wasp or secondary rhabdomyolysis intravascular hemolysis, which will release myoglobin free hemoglobin. ...

The parasitoid wasp Ampulex compressa induces a set of unique behavioral effects upon stinging its prey, the cockroach. It stings into the first thoracic segment inducing 2 to 3 min of transient flaccid paralysis of the front legs. This facilitates a second sting in the cockroach's head that induces 30 min of excessive grooming followed by a 2 to 5-week long lethargic state. In the present stud...

INTRODUCTION Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is recommended as the first-line treatment for patients allergic to Hymenoptera venom. AIM To analyze the safety and efficacy of VIT in a real life setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred and eighty patients undergoing VIT were studied to evaluate the safety, efficacy, incidence and nature of symptoms after field stings and adverse reactions to VIT. ...

BACKGROUND The parasitoid Jewel Wasp hunts cockroaches to serve as a live food supply for its offspring. The wasp stings the cockroach in the head and delivers a cocktail of neurotoxins directly inside the prey's cerebral ganglia. Although not paralyzed, the stung cockroach becomes a living yet docile 'zombie', incapable of self-initiating spontaneous or evoked walking. We show here that such n...

Solitary wasps paralyze insects or spiders with stinging venom and feed the paralyzed preys to their larva. Accordingly, the venoms should contain a variety of constituents acting on nervous systems. However, only a few solitary wasp venoms have been chemically studied despite thousands of species inhabiting the planet. We have surveyed bioactive substances in solitary wasp venoms found in Japa...