Elemental changes in hemolymph and urine of Rhodnius prolixus induced by in-vivo exposure to mercury: A study using synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence

In recent years, the effects of pollution on the health of humans and other vertebrates were extensively studied. However, the effects on some invertebrates are comparatively unknown. Recent studies have demonstrated that toxic metals interfere with the reproduction, development and immune defenses of some terrestrial and marine invertebrates. Some environmental conditions including pollution produce chronic and acute effects on different animal's organs and systems. In this work, we investigated changes in the concentrations of Cl, K, Ca, Fe and Zn in Rhodnius prolixus as insect model. The elements were quantified using urine and hemolymph samples collected on different days after feeding the insects with blood containing HgCl2. The synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence measurements were carried at the X-ray fluorescence beamline facility in Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory. The observation reveals that the calcium level was higher in the hemolymph than in urine. On the other hand, the urine collected from insects treated with HgCl2 showed higher level of Cl than hemolymph samples. Ca, Fe and Zn concentrations decrease drastically in urine samples collected after 2 days of HgCl2 treatment. The regulation of triatomines excretion was discussed pointing out the importance of trace elements.

► Changes in Cl, K, Ca, Fe and Zn contents in Rhodnius prolixus were evaluated.
► In triatomines these elements have not been previously described.
► Cl, Ca, Zn levels were lower than control in hemolymph after 5 days of HgCl2 fed.
► Cl, Ca, Zn levels were higher than control in urine after 2 days of HgCl2 fed.