Proteomic Analysis of the Hemolymph of the Lonomia Obliqua Caterpillar and its Protective Effect Against Hippocampal Neuronal Death Induced by Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Investigation of substances with potentially neuroprotective effects has been one of the focuses of drug development studies. The hemolymph of Lonomia obliqua caterpillars, which have caused several accidents in southern Brazil, contains several proteins with anti-apoptotic activity. This study aims to investigate the potential protective effects of caterpillar hemolymph and its fractions in primary rat hippocampal neurons subjected to oxidative stress. Semi-quantitative shotgun proteomics was used to evaluate the protein profile. A total of 71 proteins in the hemolymph of Lonomia obliqua crude were identified. In purified fractions were identified serine proteases, protease inhibitors, and hemolins. The treatment of primary cultured hippocampal neurons with the chromatographic fraction at concentrations of 0.05 and 0.10% (v/v) for 24 hours, followed by apoptosis induction, was able to maintain cell viability significantly higher than the positive control. The results shown in this study may contribute to the identification of proteins with potential neuroprotective activity.