SKIN RESPONSE TO SOLENAMINE, A HEMOLYTIC COMPONENT OF FIRE-ANT VENOM.

Abstract

Solenamine, the hemolytic component of fire‐ant venom, when injected into the skin of rabbits provokes a tissue response identical in type and course to that induced by the fire‐ant sting. Because of the mechanical difficulty of simulating the stinging apparatus, the component must be injected dissolved in a vehicle. The increased volume results in a more extensive lesion. A concentration of 0.2 mg. of hemolytic component in 0.1 ml. of sesame oil is enough to provoke tissue response but insufficient to produce necrosis. Injection of 2 mg. in 0.1 ml. of sesame oil is followed by necrosis.