Crossed Immunoelectrophoresis analysis of bee venom. Enzymatic identification of antigens.

Bee venom obtained by electrical stimulation has been analysed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis against high-titer rabbit antibodies. The antigenic analysis of bee venom revealed that the extract contained 17 antigens, which were detected in the crossed immunoelectrophoresis pattern after staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue. The crossed immunoelectrophoresis pattern indicated heterogeneity in several of the antigens, as most of the precipitates (exhibiting enzyme and hemolytic activities) represented multiple forms of phospholipase A, hyaluronidase, acid phosphatase and melittin.