Comparison of the biochemical, immunologic and allergenic properties of vespid venoms collected in early and late summer.

The biochemical, immunologic and allergenic properties of yellow hornet (Vespula arenaria) and bald-faced hornet (Vespula maculata) venoms collected in early and late summer were compared. The phospholipase A content of both hornet venoms decreased in late summer while protease, hyaluronidase and acid phosphatase contents were unchanged. The antigenic and allergenic properties of the two venoms, as measured by their reaction with rabbit antisera and sera from insect-allergic patients, respectively, were unchanged. These results suggest no changes in venom properties during the summer which influence the allergic response to insect stings.