Phospholipase A2 in venom extracts from honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) of different ages.

We measured phospholipase A2 activity in the venom of worker honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) of known ages using chemical (titrimetric) and radioallergosorbent methods. The two techniques give similar results. Low levels of phospholipase A2 are present in the venom system at the time of eclosion. Phospholipase A2 activity in the venom increases steadily through the 10 days after eclosion. Maximal phospholipase A2 levels (about 40 micrograms phospholipase A2/venom sac) are maintained through the rest of the life of a worker bee in summer.