Factors influencing the toxicity and antigenicity of detoxified Apis mellifera venom
Rosario, N.A.; Okazaki, T.
Revista Brasileira de Biologia 41(1): 191-196
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-7108 PMID: 7268110 Document Number: 179956
Venom was detoxified by formaldehyde polymerization under various conditions [see e.g. Okazaki et al., AA 1415/80]. Toxicity and antibody binding activity decreased as the following increased: formaldehyde concentration (maximum, 0.32%); pH (maximum, 9.1); incubation temperature (highest, 56 deg C); incubation period (longest, 8 days). Four venom samples from different sources showed significant differences in their antigenic and toxic properties, and in their degree of detoxification after similar treatments. D. G. Lowe.