• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.57-72
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• 2002

Objectives : This study was undertaken to determine the cytotoxic effects of crude bee venom which is widely used for aqua-acupuncture in oriental medical clinic. Methods : We compared the effects of crude bee venom, apamin, melittin and MCD peptide on cellviability by MTT asssay. Results : The obtained results are summarized as follows: 1. Bee venom, apamin, melittin and MCD peptide showed concentration--dependent cytotoxic effect in some human cell lines(human glioma cell line과 neuroblastorna, human mast cell line) for 24 and 48 Hour treatment. 2. Bee venom, apamin, melittin and MCD peptide showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effect in some human cell lines for 24 and 48 Hour treatment. 3. Bee venom treatment for 24 and 48 hour showed higher cytotoxic effects than apamin, melittin and MCD peptide. Conclusions : These results suggest that bee venom, apamin, melittin and MCD peptide have concentration- and dose- dependent cytotoxic effect in some human cell lines. But further study is needed for optimal concentration and dose.