Hematological effects in acute toxicity generated by the administration of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) venom in European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract

Various studies demonstrated risks and benefits in the use of bee venom, a natural product characterized by a complex organic structure. In this study, we aimed to test the effects of bee venom administration in rabbits. Hematological investigations were carried out by determining specific blood indicators at different time intervals and at varying doses of venom. The obtained results showed a toxic action dependent on the dose and the daily cumulative effect; in the case of erythrocyte and platelet parameters, bee venom progressively generated the onset of thrombocytosis and reduced hemolysis for the short term. In the case of leukocytes, the administration of bee venom caused an increase of WBC count, segmented neutrophils and Ne/Lymph ratio, proportional to the dose and time of bee venom inoculation, but within the reference range; the average values of unsegmented neutrophils and basophils was above the upper limit of the normal range, with oscillating changes during the experiment; monocytosis and eosinophilia was also noted at different doses and times of venom inoculation. The investigations carried out 7 days after stopping the administration of bee venom revealed, in many cases, a progressive return to normal for the hematological parameters, except blood platelets.