Immunology | Immune system| Immunity

* In honey bee the ovipositors are modified to form sting and there exista a shaft or style which is penetrated into victim.

* The bulb squeezes out the poison produced by poison glands.

* There are two acid glands and an alkaline gland.The secretion of which

  are mixed in the poison saliva and then passed down into bulb.

* The sting in case of a worker bee shows presence of barbs that are absent in case of queen bee.

Hence,worker bee stings stings once in a lifetime after which it dies.

 * While queen bee can sting a number of times in its lifetime. 

* Venom: 

* Venom contains protein called mellilitin and enzymes like proteases,lipases and amylases.

* Mellilitin has antigenic properties having multiple antigenic sites sites.

* Hence it is very difficult to be consumed by macrophages.

* Because of presence of macrophages B and T Lymphocytes and also antibodies,the region where the sting is given swells up.

* If multiple stings are given by honey bees,the concentration of mellilitin is very high,person becomes unconscious.

* The toxic components include phospholipase,histamine,acetycholine,dopamine and serotonin.

* It also contains collagenase,hyluronidase etc.

* Effects:

* Ordinarily bee venom is not toxic and causes local pain and swellings.

* Allergic reaction comes when immune system is over senstitised to the venom and produces antibodies,causing release of histamines etc.

* Local reactions produce immediate pain,Edema,bleeding,vasodilation(sensation of warmth),Nausea.

* Generalized reactions produce,confluent red rash,shortness of breath,Edema in airway,tongue or uvula weakness,anxiety,confesion,chest pain.

* Sometimes internal clotting of blood takes plane in addition to hypertension.

* Tissue destruction or damage occurs with the sting.