The venom of Ampulex compressa--effects on behaviour and synaptic transmission of cockroaches.

1. The solitary wasp Ampulex compressa stings a cockroach, Periplaneta americana, twice. 2. The first sting into the ventral thorax results in a transient paralysis. During this paralysis the wasp stings the suboesophageal ganglion, which gradually results in a permanent deactivation. 3. The venom gland is a paired and highly branched organ, with a common ductus venatus. The large lumen is lined with a folded cuticula. No venom reservoir is present. 4. Extract of the venom gland induces a slow contraction of the guinea pig ileum. 5. The agonist present in the venom cannot be identified with a known agonist. 6. Venom gland extract blocks synaptic transmission from the cercal nerve to giant neurons in the sixth abdominal ganglion of the cockroach. 7. The block develops gradually, like the gradual appearance of the effects of the sting into the suboesophageal ganglion on the behaviour of the cockroach.