Lee, Jong-Young; Kwon, Ki-Rok

Objectives: This study was performed to analyse the effects of Sweet Bee Venom(SBV-purified melittin supported by G&V Co., the major component of honey bee venom) on the respiratory system in rats. Methods: All experiments were conducted at Biotoxtech Company, a non-clinical studies authorized institution, under the regulations of Good Laboratory Practice(GLP). Male rats of 5 weeks old were chosen for this study and after confirming condition of rats was stable, SBV was administered in thigh muscle of rats in 0.175, 0.35 and 0.7 mg/kg dosage. And checked the effects of SBV on the respiratory system using the whole body plethysmography. And respiratory rate, tidal volume and minute volume of rats were checked after administered SBV (melittin). Results: 1. In the measurement of respiratory rate, there were not observed any significant differences compared with control group. 2. In the measurement of tidal volume, there was not observed any significant differences compared with control group. 3. In the measurement of minute volume, 0.35mg/kg dosage group showed significant differences compared with control group. But we estimated that this result was caused by individual differences. Conclusions: Above findings suggest that SBV seems to be safe treatment in the respiratory system of rats. And further studies on the subject should be conducted to yield more concrete evidences.

Melittin; Sweet Bee Venom; whole body plethysmography; respiratory system

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