A quantitative and temporal study of histamine and histidine in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) venom

Abstract

We have measured the amounts of histamine and histidine in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) venom glands, venom-reservoir tissue, and venom taken from single worker bees of known age.Our results show that neither of these venom components is present in newly emerged worker bees. Histamine and histidine were first detected in the venom of week-old bees, and the amounts present increased for 3 to 4 weeks, reached maxima, and then fell off again in 6-week-old bees.We discuss the significance of histamine as a venom component and the timing of its appearance in the venom in relation to age correlated changes in the activities of honey bees.