Anticonvulsant and Behavioural Effects of the Denatured Venom of the Social Wasp Polybia occidentalis (Polistinae, Vespidae)

Abstract

Several investigations demonstrate that neurotoxins isolated from venoms of spiders and wasps may exert specific and selective activity on structures of the mammalian CNS. In the present work we examine the neurological effects of the low molecular weight compounds of the denatured venom of the neotropical social wasp Polybia occidentalis in freely moving rats. Central administration of denatured venom decreased the duration of exploratory, elevation and grooming behaviours on the open field. Moreover, denatured venom inhibited convulsing action of bicuculline (ED 50 57 mg/ml), picrotoxin (ED 50 75 mg/ml) and kainic acid (ED 50 44 mg/ml), although it was ineffective against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. Despite of its inhibitory activity, toxic effects on motor performance examined in the rotarod test were not found, not even in extremely high doses. Also, denatured venom moderately reduced the spontaneous locomotor activity at anticonvulsant doses. These findings may indicate that the denatured venom has anticonvulsant activity with scarce propensity to cause neurological side-effects. Further studies are necessary to isolate the active compound and establish its mechanism of action.

Anticonvulsant and anxiolytic activity of the peptide fraction isolated from the venom of the social wasp Polybia paulista

“…This effect was also found in a study with crude denatured venom of Polybia occidentalis ,[32] in which the authors observed protection from seizures induced by four distinct convulsants: bicuculline, picrotoxin, kainic acid, and PTZ, although protection against the latter was less effective. Another study[31] demonstrated similar effects of the denatured venom of Polybia ignobilis , with protection being observed from seizures induced by the same convulsants cited above, except PTZ.…”

“…It was observed that the different doses of LMWC-Pp significantly reduced, in a manner independent of dose, the number of lines crossed by the animals, although this effect was moderate when compared to the DZP group. Other authors have also demonstrated this effect of wasp venom on spontaneous locomotor activity, with reports suggesting it to be dependent[32] or independent[31] of the dose.…”

“…Interestingly, in the study with crude denatured venom of P. occidentalis cited above,[32] the ED 50 was 315 μg/animal. Finally, a dose-dependent increase was found in the latency to onset of PTZ-induced seizures, which was also observed in the work with P. occidentalis mentioned above.…”

“…Finally, a dose-dependent increase was found in the latency to onset of PTZ-induced seizures, which was also observed in the work with P. occidentalis mentioned above. [32]…”

“…However, in the study with crude denatured venom of P. occidentalis [32] cited above, the authors found a significant, dose-dependent increase in the time spent in immobility behavior and a decrease in the time spent in exploratory behavior. In the study with P. ignobilis [31] also mentioned above, the authors again found significant differences in immobility and exploratory behaviors, although these were not dose-dependent.…”