THESIS: D.B. Ferreira submitted this dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy publicly examined at the Department of Human Pathology of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil in 1993.
Advisor: Professor Roberto Silva Costa
Co-advisor: Professor João Samuel M. de Oliveira
ABSTRACT. Cardiac lesions in experimental envenomation by Africanized honeybee venom in Wistar rats (intravenous injection with 0.8 µl/100g of body weight) were described. Electrocardiography, quantification of seric enzymes, immunodiffusion for myoglobin and hemoglobin, isolated heart test, histopathology and histoenzymology were carried out 1, 4 and 24 hours after inoculation. Ninety-five percent of the experimental animals showed alterations in the electrocardiogram. Creatine kinase, L-lactate and aspartate aminotransferase showed increased concentrations. Myoglobin and hemoglobin levels detected by immunodiffusion were increased. Isolated heart test showed arrest of cardiac beats 10 times shorter than that of control animals. Histopathology revealed myocytolysis and myonecrosis, specially in the cardiac apex. Histoenzymology demonstrated inactivation of respiratory enzymes, monoamine oxidase perilesional hyperactivity and positive leukocyte acid phosphatase. Africanized honeybee venom was shown to induce myocardial necrosis and arrest of cardiac beats. Seric enzymes in envenomation, morphological changes, pathogenesis of cardiac lesions and death mechanisms of animal and human victims of multiple stings of Africanized honeybees were discussed.
CORRESPONDENCE TO:
D.B. FERREIRA - Rua Belgrado, Quadra 42 nº 03 - Conjunto Campos Elíseos - CEP 69045-630 - Manaus - Amazonas - Brasil.
Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
11 Jan 1999 -
Date of issue
1995
