Melittin stimulates liver glycogenolysis and the release of prostaglandin D2 and thromboxane B2.

Melittin stimulates glycogenolysis and induces vasoconstriction in perfused rat liver. The effect was rapid and associated with production and release of prostaglandin D2 and thromboxane B2. Indomethacin blocked the release of these eicosanoids and the stimulation of glycogenolysis induced by melittin. Ibuprofen blocked the release of prostaglandin D2 induced by melittin and markedly attenuated that of thromboxane B2. Interestingly, the initial burst of glucose output induced by melittin was not inhibited by ibuprofen, although the duration of the glycogenolytic action of the peptide was greatly diminished.