Melittin
Melittin | |||||||||
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TCDB 1.C.18 | | ||||||||
OPM superfamily | 151 | ||||||||
OPM protein | 2mlt | ||||||||
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Identifiers | |
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3D model (
JSmol ) |
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ChEBI | |
ChEMBL | |
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard
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100.157.496 |
MeSH | Melitten |
PubChem CID
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UNII | |
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Properties | |
C131H229N39O31 | |
Molar mass | 2846.46266 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Melittin is the main component (40–60% of the dry weight) and the major pain-producing substance of honeybee (
Function
The principal function of melittin as a component of
Structure
Melittin is a small
Mechanism of action
Injection of melittin into animals and humans causes pain sensation. It has strong surface effects on cell membranes causing pore-formation in
Melittin can open thermal nociceptor
Melittin inhibits protein kinase C, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, myosin light chain kinase, and Na+/K+-ATPase (synaptosomal membrane). Melittin blocks transport pumps such as the Na+-K+-ATPase and the H+-K+-ATPase.[2]
Toxicity of a bee sting
Melittin is the main compound in bee venom, accounting for the potential lethality of a bee sting, which causes an anaphylactic reaction in some people.[5] At the sites of multiple stings, localized pain, swelling, and skin redness occur, and if bees are swallowed, life-threatening swelling of the throat and respiratory passages may develop.[5]
Use
References
External links
- Melitten at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)