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    STUDIA BIOLOGIA - Issue no. 2 / 2004  
         
  Article:   MELITINA, COMPONENTA MAJORĂ A VENINULUI DE ALBINE ŞI PRINCIPALUL COMPUS ACTIV AL ACESTUIA.

Authors:  ADRIAN FLOREA, CONSTANTIN CRĂCIUN. 		 
       
         
  Abstract:  Melittin, the Major Component of the Honey Bee Venom and its Main Active Compound. The bee venom is a complex secretion product of honey bees, which contains a large number of different inorganic and organic substances responsible for a wide range of effects. Among all these substances, melittin prevails both in terms of concentration and effects. Melittin is a small cationic peptide, present in the crystallized venom in a ratio of about 50-55%. In certain physico-chemical circumstances melittin could appear in a monomer or a tetramer shape. It is involved in the pain producing mechanism, it has an antiinflammatory activity (is the smallest allergen known), and interacts with different enzymes, thus modulating their activity. But the principal action of melittin is exerted on cell membranes, where it alters the normal structure and consequently the selectivity of these barriers. Because of its properties, melittin is used as a tool in the basic research, but it is also studied for the design of some new drugs.  
         
     
         
         
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