Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Associate Professor, Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute
2 Ph.D., Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute
3 Assistant Professor, Razi Vaccine and Serum Institute
4 Senior expert, Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute
Abstract
Introduction:This study was done to investigate the effects of gamma irradiation on lethal dose 50% (LD50) of honey bee venom. Methods:Venom samples were irradiated at doses of 0,2,4,6 and 8 kGy . Malondialdehyde level and true protein concentration were determined pre- and post-irradiation. Protein subunits of venom was detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Allergen compounds were measured using HPLC technique. Lethal dose 50% (LD50) was determined using in vivo trial. Eighty hamsters were allocated to 5 treatments and 4 replicates in a CRD design. Venom solution at dose of 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 2 mg/Kg BW were injected intra peritoneal and mortality recorded then LD50 was computed by Spearman–Karber method. In the final of study, hamsters liver samples collected and fixed in 10% formalin. Liver samples were sliced, fixed and stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Data were analyzed by SAS Software. Result: The results showed that true protein content and malondialdehyde level in irradiated samples had no differ with the control group (P>0.05). Electrophoresis patterns and HPLC results showed that irradiation at doses of 4 and 6 kGy decreased phospholipase amount and increase the low subunits of protein (P<0.05). Irradiation at doses of 6 and 8 kGy increased LD50 by 34%. Based on the histology results, irradiation of honey bee venom at dose of 4 and 6 kGy could decrease the inflammation of hepatocytes and vein hyperemia in liver. Discussion: Irradiation at dose of 6 kGy by removing allergens can be used to reduce the toxicity of bee venom.
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