Metabolic changes in Biomphalaria glabrata infected with Schistosoma mansoni exposed to latex of Euphorbia milii solution versus times of preparation

In order to establish how long after the first appl ication of the latex of Euphorbia milii it remains with activity on the metabolic pathways of molluscs host, this study aimed to screen the effects of latex exposure from 24 hou rs until 35 days after exposure to the latex solution to check how long the solution e xhibits harmful effects on the carbohydrate metabolism and on the nitrogen excreti on products of molluscs. Snails exposed to the solution presented a reduction of th e glycogen levels in the tissues analyzed and changes in the ways of excreting nitro gen and the concentration of total proteins in the hemolymph, an effect that was stron gest in the groups exposed up to 14 days after preparation of the solution. In both cases, the glycogen concentrations and the nitrogen excretions products in the treated groups only returned near the levels in the control groups from the 21 days onwar ds, but there were still statistically significant differences. These results contribute t o the optimization of the use of this product as a molluscicide of natural origin and the development of protocols for control of schistosomiasis.