ABSTRACT
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major worldwide health problem that can cause liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The clinical treatment of HCV infection mainly relies on the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) that are usually expensive and have side effects. Therefore, achieving the discovery of more successful agents is always urgent. In this context, antiviral compounds that inhibit viral infections and disease progression with important therapeutic activities have been identified in animal venoms including arthropod toxins. This indicates that arthropod venoms represent a good natural source of promising candidates for new antivirals. Methods The antiviral activity of the wasp venom (WV), isolated from the Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis), was assessed using cell culture technique with human hepatocellular carcinoma-derived cell line (Huh7it-1) and the recombinant strain of HCV genotype 2a (JFH1). Results The results revealed that WV inhibited HCV infectivity with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 10 ng/mL, while the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was 11,000 ng/mL. Time of addition experiment showed that the WV blocked HCV attachment/entry to the cells probably through virucidal effect. On the other hand, the venom showed no inhibitory effect on HCV replication. Conclusion WV can inhibit the entry stage of HCV infection at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Therefore, it could be considered a potential candidate for characterization of natural anti-HCV agents targeting the entry step.(AU)
Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents , Wasp Venoms , Carcinoma, HepatocellularABSTRACT
Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major worldwide health problem that can cause liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The clinical treatment of HCV infection mainly relies on the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) that are usually expensive and have side effects. Therefore, achieving the discovery of more successful agents is always urgent. In this context, antiviral compounds that inhibit viral infections and disease progression with important therapeutic activities have been identified in animal venoms including arthropod toxins. This indicates that arthropod venoms represent a good natural source of promising candidates for new antivirals. Methods The antiviral activity of the wasp venom (WV), isolated from the Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis), was assessed using cell culture technique with human hepatocellular carcinoma-derived cell line (Huh7it-1) and the recombinant strain of HCV genotype 2a (JFH1). Results The results revealed that WV inhibited HCV infectivity with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 10 ng/mL, while the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was 11,000 ng/mL. Time of addition experiment showed that the WV blocked HCV attachment/entry to the cells probably through virucidal effect. On the other hand, the venom showed no inhibitory effect on HCV replication. Conclusion WV can inhibit the entry stage of HCV infection at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Therefore, it could be considered a potential candidate for characterization of natural anti-HCV agents targeting the entry step.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Epipompilus aztecus (Cresson, 1869) was registered in South America in 2010. The aim of this paper is to report the first record of E. aztecus in the Brazilian Pantanal. Two female individuals of E. aztecus were collected in the northern portion of the Brazilian Pantanal in Mato Grosso State during November 2015. This new record of E. aztecus represents a range extension for the species.
Resumo Epipompilus aztecus (Cresson, 1869) foi registrado para a América do Sul em 2010. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar o primeiro registro de E. aztecus para o Pantanal brasileiro. Duas fêmeas de E. aztecus foram coletadas na parte norte do Pantanal brasileiro no estado de Mato Grosso, em novembro de 2015. O novo registro de E. aztecus representa uma extensão da distribuição de ocorrência para esta espécie.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Wasps/anatomy & histology , Wasps/physiology , Animal Distribution , BrazilABSTRACT
The State ofRio Grande do Sul is a major producer of grapes in Brazil, highlighting the Serra Gaúcha as the main producing region. In the pursuit of good quality in grapes it is essential the control of pests, especially insects. This study highlights the incidence of wasps, which cause serious damage at harvest time. This study aimed to characterize the community of social wasps (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) through faunal analysis and to examine the relationship of these insects with injuries to the grape berries in vineyards of Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul State. Therefore, active search were made in January and February 2014, followed by analysis of frequency, constancy, abundance, dominance and diversity. Ten species of wasps were able to use grape berries as food. The two dominant species were Polybia ignobilis and P. minarum, however, Synoeca cyanea has greater ability to break the intact berries. Other three species, Polistes cavapytiformis, P. versicolor and Brachygastra lecheguana, were also able to break the skin of grapes, but of damaged berries.
O Rio Grande do Sul é o maior produtor de uvas no Brasil, destacando-se a Serra Gaúcha como principal região produtora. Na busca de qualidade das uvas é fundamental o controle de pragas, especialmente insetos. Este trabalho identifica a incidência de vespas que acarretam graves danos na época de colheita. A pesquisa foi conduzida com o objetivo caracterizar a assembleia de vespas sociais (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) através de análise faunística e a relação destas com injúrias as bagas, em parreirais do município de Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul. Para tanto, foram realizadas coletas ativas nos meses de janeiro efevereiro de 2014, realizando-se análise de frequência, constância, abundância, dominância e diversidade da comunidade. Foram identificadas 10 espécies de vespas capazes de utilizar as bagas de uva como alimento. As espécies predominantes foram Polybia ignobilis e P. minarum, todavia, Synoeca cyanea apresenta maior capacidade de rompimento de bagas íntegras. P. cavapytiformis, P. versicolor e Brachygastra lecheguanatambém foram capazes de abrir a casca dos frutos em bagas anteriormente danificadas.
Subject(s)
Wasps , Pest Control , VitisABSTRACT
Abstract: The Euchromiina moths comprise 735 species in the neotropics. Here we provide a list of Euchromiina species from the Brazilian Amazon. The list was produced from specimens deposited in the most important Brazilian collections and from literature data. Nearly 30% (219) of the neotropics Euchromiina species were recorded, including 13 new occurrences for the Brazilian Amazon. Santarém and Belém were the municipalities with the highest number of species records, with 96 and 74, respectively. Although the number of Euchromiina records is high in the Amazon, this value is underestimated because the fauna was never sampled in the vast majority of the biome. This is a worrying scenario because the Amazon has the world highest absolute rate of forest reduction. In order to suggest efficient conservation policies for the Amazon Arctiinae fauna, it is urgent to intensify the sampling effort in this biome.
Resumo: As mariposas Euchromiina compreendem 735 espécies na região Neotropical. Neste trabalho, nós apresentamos uma lista das espécies de Euchromiina que ocorrem na Amazônia brasileira. A lista foi produzida através de observação de espécimes depositados nas mais importantes coleções brasileiras e também através de dados da literatura. Aproximadamente 30% (219) das espécies de Euchromiina que ocorrem na região Neotropical foram registradas, incluindo 13 novas ocorrências para a Amazônia brasileira. Santarém e Belém foram os municípios com maior número de espécies registradas, com 96 e 74, respectivamente. Embora o número de registros de Euchromiina seja considerado alto na Amazônia, este valor é subestimado visto que a fauna nunca foi amostrada na imensa maioria do bioma. Este cenário é preocupante, pois a Amazônia possui a maior taxa absoluta de redução florestal do mundo. A fim de podermos sugerir políticas de conservação eficientes para a fauna de Arctiinae da Amazônia, é urgente que se intensifique o esforço de coleta neste bioma.
ABSTRACT
Abstract: The Ctenuchina moths comprise 874 New World species. Here we provide a list of Ctenuchina species from the Brazilian Amazon. The list was produced from specimens deposited in the most important Brazilian collections and from literature data. Nearly 31% (273) of the New World Ctenuchina species were recorded, including 28 new occurrences for the Brazilian Amazon. Santarém and Belém were the municipalities with the highest number of species records, with 139 and 88, respectively. The high number of Ctenuchina records in the Amazon is underestimated because this subtribe has never been sampled in the vast majority of the biome. This is a worrying scenario because the Amazon has the world highest absolute rate of forest reduction. To suggest efficient conservation policies for the Arctiinae fauna of Amazon, it is urgent to intensify the sampling effort in this biome.
Resumo: As mariposas Ctenuchina compreendem 874 espécies no Novo Mundo. Neste trabalho, nós apresentamos uma lista das espécies de Ctenuchina que ocorrem na Amazônia brasileira. A lista foi produzida através de observação de espécimes depositados nas mais importantes coleções brasileiras e também através de dados da literatura. Aproximadamente 31% (273) das espécies de Ctenuchina que ocorrem no Novo Mundo foram registradas, incluindo 28 novas ocorrências para a Amazônia brasileira. Santarém e Belém foram os municípios com maior número de espécies registradas, com 139 e 88, respectivamente. Embora o número de registros de Ctenuchina seja considerado alto na Amazônia, este valor é subestimado visto que a fauna nunca foi amostrada na imensa maioria do bioma. Este cenário é preocupante, pois a Amazônia possui a maior taxa absoluta de redução florestal do mundo. A fim de podermos sugerir políticas de conservação eficientes para a fauna de Arctiinae da Amazônia, é urgente que se intensifique o esforço de coleta neste bioma.
ABSTRACT
Background:Crude venom of the banded tiger waspVespa affinis contains a variety of enzymes including hyaluronidases, commonly known as spreading factors.Methods:The cDNA cloning, sequence analysis and structural modelling of V. affinis venom hyaluronidase (VesA2) were herein described. Moreover, heterologous expression and mutagenesis of rVesA2 were performed.Results:V. affinis venom hyaluronidase full sequence is composed of 331 amino acids, with four predicted N-glycosylation sites. It was classified into the glycoside hydrolase family 56. The homology modelling exhibited a central core (α/β)7 composed of Asp107 and Glu109, acting as the catalytic residues. The recombinant protein was successfully expressed in E. coli with hyaluronidase activity. A recombinant mutant type with the double point mutation, Asp107Asn and Glu109Gln, completely lost this activity. The hyaluronidase from crude venom exhibited activity from pH 2 to 7. The recombinant wild type showed its maximal activity at pH 2 but decreased rapidly to nearly zero at pH 3 and was completely lost at pH 4.Conclusion:The recombinant wild-type protein showed its maximal activity at pH 2, more acidic pH than that found in the crude venom. The glycosylation was predicted to be responsible for the pH optimum and thermal stability of the enzymes activity.
Subject(s)
Animals , Protein Structural Elements , Hyaluronoglucosaminidase , Recombinant Proteins , Wasp Venoms/chemistryABSTRACT
Objective: To find an effective method to isolated phospholipase from Vespa tropica ducalis and characterize its biological activities to support the pathogenic mechanism research and officinal value exploitation in the future. Methods: The component with phospholipase activity was isolated by successive gel filtration (Sephadex G-75, supferfine) and heparin affinity chromatography steps (Hitrap Heparin HP). The protein was identified by peptide mass fingerprinting, N-terminal amino acid determination and blast analysis, as well as phospholipase A1 (PLA1) activity monitor. Plasma recalification time test was employed to detect the effect of Vtp32 on coagulation. Results: A protein with phospholipase activity was orderly separated and purified from V. tropica ducalis venom using gel filtration and heparin affinity chromatography. The purified protein was homogenous on the SDS-PAGE gel with relative molecular mass of 32 000, so it was termed as Vtp32. Peptide mass fingerprinting assay and N-terminal amino acid sequence blast result revealed that Vtp32 showed high homologous with PLA1 from wasp of Vespa genus. In addition, Vtp32 hydrolyzed the sn-1 ester linkage of phospholipids. These results indicated that Vtp32 was PLA1 from V. tropica ducalis. Vtp32 hydrolyzed phosphatidylcholine, and the hydrolysis product can lyse human erythrocytes. Vtp32 delayed the recalification time of human plasma and hence had anti-coagulation activity. Conclusion: PLA1 is widely existed in the venom from V. tropica ducalis. Gel filtration followed by heparin affinity chromatography is an effective isolation strategy for the purification of PLA1. The results show that V. tropica ducalis PLA1 has hemolytic and anticoagulative activity.
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Ficus religiosa L. is one of the most valued cultivated ornamental fig trees. Native to Asia, it is known as Bodhi tree. Since fig trees are involved in a highly species-specific pollination mutualism with agaonid wasps, exotic fig species usually fail to produce seeds due to the lack of the specific pollinating wasps. Since 2005 we have been observing plantlets of F. religiosa growing on buildings in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil, showing that this species was hosting pollinating wasps and, consequently, undertaking sexual reproduction outside its native range. We observed that Platyscapa quadraticeps Mayr, 1885, the original pollinator in Asia, was occurring in figs of F. religiosa in Brazil. Considering that several non-pollinating fig wasp species are associated with F. religiosa in its native areas, novel occurrences of wasps may be reported in the future in Brazil. The presence of the native pollinator provides conditions for this exotic tree to become naturalized and/or invasive in Brazil, potentially causing considerable damage to buildings and urban trees.
Ficus religiosa L. é uma das figueiras ornamentais mais valorizadas. Nativa da Ásia, é conhecida popularmente como figueira-dos-pagodes. Como as figueiras apresentam um mutualismo especializado com vespas Agaonidae as espécies exóticas geralmente não se reproduzem sexualmente devido a falta dos polinizadores específicos. Desde 2005 nós observamos plantas jovens de F. religiosa crescendo sobre construções na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, indicando que esta espécie está interagindo com vespas polinizadoras e, consequentemente, se reproduzindo sexualmente fora de sua área nativa. Observamos que Platyscapa quadraticeps Mayr, 1885, o polinizador original na Ásia, estava ocorrendo em figos dessa espécie no Brasil. Considerando que várias espécies não-polinizadoras de vespas de figo são associadas a F. religiosa em suas áreas nativas, novas ocorrências de vespas podem ser relatadas no futuro no Brasil. A presença do polinizador nativo provem condições para que esta espécie exótica se naturalize e/ou se torne invasiva no Brasil, com grande potencial de causar danos em prédios e árvores urbanos.
Subject(s)
Symbiosis , Wasps , Ficus , PollinationABSTRACT
This study aimed at exploring a fast method to accurately identify the medicinal insect Vespa mandarinia Smith from its adulterants using DNA barcode and COI sequences.The extracted DNAs from V.mandarinia and its adulterants V.soror were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced bilaterally based on COI barcode sequence investigation.The information of the COI sequences of V.mandarinia and V.soror were gathered from GenBank.All the sequences were compared and analyzed,and their intraspecific and interspecific genetic distances were calculated using MEGA 6.06.In addition,the phylogenetic tree was established with neighbor-joining (NJ) method.As a result,the COI sequences of V.mandarinia and V.soror were successfully amplified.The minimum interspecific distance between V.mandarinia and its adulterants was 0.152 ± 0.017,being considerably larger than the maximal intraspecific distance between V.mandarinia,0.009±0.004.The constructed phylogenetic tree showed an independent branch for each species.It was concluded that the DNA barcode based on COI sequence can efficiently identify V.mandarinia and its adulterants.This study provided an innovative tool for the quality control and market regulation of Chinese materia medica,securing the safe medication of V.mandarinia.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Epipompilus aztecus (Cresson, 1869) was registered in South America in 2010. The aim of this paper is to report the first record of E. aztecus in the Brazilian Pantanal. Two female individuals of E. aztecus were collected in the northern portion of the Brazilian Pantanal in Mato Grosso State during November 2015. This new record of E. aztecus represents a range extension for the species.
Resumo Epipompilus aztecus (Cresson, 1869) foi registrado para a América do Sul em 2010. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar o primeiro registro de E. aztecus para o Pantanal brasileiro. Duas fêmeas de E. aztecus foram coletadas na parte norte do Pantanal brasileiro no estado de Mato Grosso, em novembro de 2015. O novo registro de E. aztecus representa uma extensão da distribuição de ocorrência para esta espécie.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the antihistamine-releasing effect of a peptide isolated from wasp venom of Vespa orientalis. Methods: This peptide was separated from crude venom by chromatography methods and mass spectrometry. Then various concentrations (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 μmol/L) of the peptide were incubated with mast cells and lactate dehydrogenase assay was performed. Results: No significant effect was observed in lactate dehydrogenase absorbance under 128 μmol/L concentration. This implied that the peptide did not cause cell death in mast cells and consequently, histamine release did not happen. Moreover, the results showed the IC
ABSTRACT
Background: Wasp venom is a complex mixture containing proteins, enzymes and small molecules, including some of the most dangerous allergens. The greater banded wasp (Vespa tropica) is well-known for its lethal venom, whose one of the major components is a hyaluronidase (HAase). It is believed that the high protein proportion and activity of this enzyme is responsible for the venom potency. Methods: In the present study, cDNA cloning, sequencing and 3D-structure of Vespa tropica venom HAase were described. Anti-native HAase antibody was used for neutralization assay. Results: Two isoforms, VesT2a and VesT2b, were classified as members of the glycosidase hydrolase 56 family with high similarity (42-97 %) to the allergen venom HAase. VesT2a gene contained 1486 nucleotide residues encoding 357 amino acids whereas the VesT2b isoform consisted of 1411 residues encoding 356 amino acids. The mature VesT2a and VesT2b are similar in mass and pI after prediction. They are 39119.73 Da/pI 8.91 and 39571.5 Da/pI 9.38, respectively. Two catalytic residues in VesT2a, Asp107 and Glu109 were substituted in VesT2b by Asn, thus impeding enzymatic activity. The 3D-structure of the VesT2s isoform consisted of a central core (α/β)7 barrel and two disulfide bridges. The five putative glycosylation sites (Asn79, Asn99, Asn127, Asn187 and Asn325) of VesT2a and the three glycosylation sites (Asn1, Asn66 and Asn81) in VesT2b were predicted. An allergenic property significantly depends on the number of putative N-glycosylation sites. The anti-native HAase serum specifically recognized to venom HAase was able to neutralize toxicity of V. tropica venom. The ratio of venom antiserum was 1:12. Conclusions: The wasp venom allergy is known to cause life-threatening and fatal IgE-mediated anaphylactic reactions in allergic individuals. Structural analysis was a helpful tool for prediction of allergenic properties including their cross reactivity among the vespid HAase.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Wasp Venoms , Wasps , Cloning, Organism , Glycoside Hydrolases , HyaluronoglucosaminidaseABSTRACT
Wasp venom is a complex mixture containing proteins, enzymes and small molecules, including some of the most dangerous allergens. The greater banded wasp (Vespa tropica) is well-known for its lethal venom, whose one of the major components is a hyaluronidase (HAase). It is believed that the high protein proportion and activity of this enzyme is responsible for the venom potency. Methods: In the present study, cDNA cloning, sequencing and 3D-structure of Vespa tropica venom HAase were described. Anti-native HAase antibody was used for neutralization assay. Results: Two isoforms, VesT2a and VesT2b, were classified as members of the glycosidase hydrolase 56 family with high similarity (4297 %) to the allergen venom HAase. VesT2a gene contained 1486 nucleotide residues encoding 357 amino acids whereas the VesT2b isoform consisted of 1411 residues encoding 356 amino acids. The mature VesT2a and VesT2b are similar in mass and pI after prediction. They are 39119.73 Da/pI 8.91 and 39571.5 Da/pI 9.38, respectively. Two catalytic residues in VesT2a, Asp107 and Glu109 were substituted in VesT2b by Asn, thus impeding enzymatic activity. The 3D-structure of the VesT2s isoform consisted of a central core (/)7 barrel and two disulfide bridges. The five putative glycosylation sites (Asn79, Asn99, Asn127, Asn187 and Asn325) of VesT2a and the three glycosylation sites (Asn1, Asn66 and Asn81) in VesT2b were predicted. An allergenic property significantly depends on the number of putative N-glycosylation sites. The anti-native HAase serum specifically recognized to venom HAase was able to neutralize toxicity of V. tropica venom. The ratio of venom antiserum was 1:12. Conclusions: The wasp venom allergy is known to cause life-threatening and fatal IgE-mediated anaphylactic reactions in allergic individuals. Structural analysis was a helpful tool for prediction of allergenic properties including their cross reactivity among the vespid HAase.
Subject(s)
Animals , Hyaluronoglucosaminidase/analysis , Hyaluronoglucosaminidase/classification , Hyaluronoglucosaminidase/toxicity , Wasp Venoms/administration & dosage , Wasp Venoms/analysis , Wasp Venoms/toxicityABSTRACT
Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento das famílias de himenópteros parasitoides em área de mata atlântica da Reserva Municipal Serra do Japi (23°13' 52,24"S, 46°56'09,00" O), Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brasil. Foram coletados 1.300 himenópteros parasitoides de oito superfamílias e de 23 famílias. A coleta foi realizada durante cinco dias utilizando-se armadilha Malaise, armadilha Moericke e varredura na vegetação. As famílias de maior abundância relativa foram: Diapriidae (45,92%), Braconidae (15,00%), Ichneumonidae (12,92%) e Platygastridae (6,15%). Quatorze famílias tiveram abundância relativa inferior a 1%. Foram registrados na área estudada espécimes de Perilampidae (0,62%) e de Pelecinidae (0,15%). Este estudo é o segundo levantamento da fauna de himenópteros parasitoides na Serra do Japi.(AU)
This study aimed at surveying the families of parasitic Hymenoptera in the area of the Atlantic Forest in Reserva Municipal Serra do Japi (23°13' 52,24"S, 46°56'09,00" W), Jundiai, São Paulo, Brazil. There, 1,300 hymenoptera parasitoids of eight superfamilies and 23 families were collected. The collection was performed for five days using Malaise trap, Moericke trap and "Sweeping" in the Vegetation. Families with the highest relative abundance were: Diapriidae (45.92%), Braconidae (15,00%), Ichneumonidae (12,92%) and Platygastridae (6,15%). Fourteen families showed relative abundance below 1%. Te study area registered specimens of Perilampidae (0,62%) and Pelecinidae (0,15%). Tis work represents the second survey of the hymenoptera parasitoid fauna in Serra do Japi.(AU)
Subject(s)
Wasps , Biodiversity , Hymenoptera , Brazil , InsectaABSTRACT
The emergence of antibacterial resistance against several classes of antibiotics is an inevitable consequence of drug overuse. As antimicrobial resistance spreads throughout the globe, new substances will always be necessary to fight against multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Venoms of many animals have recently gained attention in the search for new antimicrobials to treat infectious diseases. Thefore, the present study aimed to study the antibacterial effects of wasp (Vespa orientalis) crude venom. Two gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two gram-negative ones (Escherichia coli and Klesiella pneumonia) were compared for their sensitivity to the venom by determining the inhibition zone (Kirby-Bauer method) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). A microbroth kinetic system based on continuous monitoring of changes in the optical density of bacterial growth was also used for determination of antimicrobial activity.
Subject(s)
Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents/analysis , Poisons , Wasp Venoms/analysis , Wasps/classificationABSTRACT
The emergence of antibacterial resistance against several classes of antibiotics is an inevitable consequence of drug overuse. As antimicrobial resistance spreads throughout the globe, new substances will always be necessary to fight against multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Venoms of many animals have recently gained attention in the search for new antimicrobials to treat infectious diseases. Thefore, the present study aimed to study the antibacterial effects of wasp (Vespa orientalis) crude venom. Two gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two gram-negative ones (Escherichia coli and Klesiella pneumonia) were compared for their sensitivity to the venom by determining the inhibition zone (Kirby-Bauer method) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). A microbroth kinetic system based on continuous monitoring of changes in the optical density of bacterial growth was also used for determination of antimicrobial activity.
Subject(s)
Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents/analysis , Poisons , Wasp Venoms/analysis , Wasps/classificationABSTRACT
Aim To investigate the anti-angiogenic effect of 12a, the mastoparan-like peptide from wasp ( Vespa magnifica ) venom. Methods The tube for-mation and proliferation of human umbilical vein endo-thelial cells ( HUVEC ) and chicken chorioallantoic membrane ( CAM) model were used to observe the an-ti-angiogenic effect of 12a in vitro and in vivo, respec-tively. Results In the CAM model, 0. 1 μg or 1 μg of 12 a could markedly inhibit angiogenesis induced by 0. 2 μg rh-bFGF with heavy loss of color, decreasing density and obscure frame of the vessels. The inhibi-tion rates of angiogenesis were 60 . 2 % for 0 . 1 μg and 90. 3 % for 1 μg, respectively. Accordingly, in HU-VEC culture experiment, the proliferation and angio-genesis of HUVEC treated by 1 mg·L-1 and 10 mg· L-1 of 12 a were decreased by 55. 4 %, 39. 3 % and 51. 6 %, 26. 7 %, respectively. Conclusion 12a has a significant anti-angiogenic effect in a concentra-tion-dependent manner.
ABSTRACT
Two colonies of the social wasp Apoica flavissima were collected and analyzed to verify the population and morphometric averages of the individuals. Both colonies were in bushes at 700 mm above the floor, close to forest creeks. The colonies were at the beginning of their development stage and showed a reduced number of individuals, when compared with other studies on this genus. Means of adult parameters were: body length 21,6 mm ; width of thorax 3,8 mm; and width of head, 3,5 mm . Pupae presented these averages: body length 20,05 mm; width of thorax 3,75 mm ; and width of head 3,51 mm. Natural environment must offer good conditions for the development of wasps and their pattern nesting. Thus, high growth rates and different nesting behavior can demonstrate environmental influences on biology of this wasp group.
Duas colônias da vespa social Apoica flavissima foram coletadas e analisadas quanto aos parâmetros morfométricos e a população residente no ninho. Estas estavam fundadas a cerca de 700 mm do chão, nidificadas em plantas herbáceas, nas proximidades de igarapés. Ambas se encontravam no inicio do seu ciclo biológico e apresentavam um pequeno número de indivíduos, quando comparado com outros trabalhos com este gênero. Os adultos foram mensurados com médias de 21,62 mm de comprimento do corpo; 3,8 mm de largura máxima do tórax e 3,5 mm de largura da cabeça. As pupas apresentaram 20,05 mm de comprimento corpóreo; 3,75 mm de largura máxima do tórax e 3,51 mm de largura da cabeça. Ambientes naturais devem favorecer o crescimento dos indivíduos assim como manter os seus padrões de nidificação. Assim, uma discrepante taxa de crescimento e diferentes hábitos de nidificação, podem indicar a influência do ambiente sobre a biologia deste grupo.
ABSTRACT
Background Lethal dose 50% is a classical index of toxicity that usually employs small rodents as experimental animals. Therefore, scarce data are available on the effects of venom on invertebrates, particularly the impact of wasp venom on its own species. Findings In the present study, the lethality of Vespa crabro venom on its own species was studied. Lethal dose 50% values of crude venom on workers of hornet Vespa crabro were estimated to be 4.0 mg/kg of body weight. Conclusions Wasps can use their venom apparatus effectively when attacking foreign workers that appear in the immediate vicinity of their nest. The toxins released during stinging are potent enough to kill. The result of this study eliminates the popular myth that venomous animals can be resistant to their own venom.(AU)