| dc.description | The elemental composition of the Lonomia obliqua caterpillar Walker, 1855 (Lepidoptera,
Saturniidae) was investigated using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Neutron Activation
Analyses (NAA) techniques. The need of this study is related to morphological changes (mainly
size and color) observed in some caterpillars used for preparation of antiveneom (antilonomic
serum). This species is poisonous and has the ability to cause serious and fatal hemorrhagic
effects in humans after contact characterized by hemorrhage, disseminated intravascular
coagulation, and acute renal failure [1, 2]. The first case of poisoning (registered in Brazil)
occurred in 1989 and the average number of accidents is closer to 500 / year [3]. To reverse
these effects, a specific antivenom (antilonomic serum) is currently produced by Instituto
Butantan (Research Center at S??o Paulo city).
For this investigation, the samples were classified as healthy (caterpillars of control) and
unhealthy (caterpillars visibly modified). The XRF measurements were performed in an
EDXRF Spectrometer SHIMADZU Co. model Rany 720 and the NAA measurements in the
IEA-R1 nuclear reactor (both facilities of IPEN, Research Center at S??o Paulo city).
The results show significant differences (high concentration) for several elements in unhealthy
caterpillars that can affect the development of this specie as well as the quality and yield of the
antiveneom. Furthermore, the elemental characterization of this species can also contribute for
the understanding the potential pharmacological (pro-coagulant and anti-thrombotic) in the
prevention of life-threatening blood-clots. | |
