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The Pharmacological Effects of Hymenoptera Venoms

1977; Annual Reviews; Volume: 17; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1146/annurev.pa.17.040177.002403

1545-4304

R M Cavagnol,

Insect Utilization and Effects

The Hymenoptera form one of the largest and most highly developed orders of the class Insecta. As members of the Arthropoda phylum, which contains about 85% of the known animal world, these invertebrates exhibit segmented bodies, jointed appendages, and hard exoskeletons. The female of various Hymenoptera have evolved modified ovipositors, capable of delivering a venom to adversaries. This venom is a complex mixture of biochemical compounds ranging from simple amines to complicated proteins and enzymes. Because of their painful and sometimes fatal reactions in humans, Hymenoptera venoms are of interest to the clinician and researcher. The terms venom and poison were used interchangeably in early writings. The word venom is thought to have originated from the Latin veneneum, meaning a magical charm relating to Venus (2). A poison was originally a harmless draught or drink, the term probably derived from the Greek poloS (3). From POIOS evolved the Latin potum, to drink, and possibly potion, potable, and even pot, a vessel from which to drink. The fatal meaning of poison came about as a result of the ancient practice of giving a lethal potion, or drink, to one's enemies.