Role of the inflammatory response in the hemorrhagic syndrome induced by the hemolymph of the caterpillar Lonomia achelous

Contact with the caterpillar of Lonomia achelous causes a hemorrhagic syndrome in humans prompted by two processes, an initial mild DIC that is later masked by overwhelming fibrinolytic activity. Although the venom affects both the hemostatic and inflammatory systems separately, it is not clear whether the hematological and hemostatic disturbances may in part be due to an indirect effect via inflammatory mediators. Here we report results on the...