Biochemical mechanisms in the effects of kerosene on airways of experimental animals.

The biochemical mechanisms involved in the bronchoconstriction and airway hyperresponsiveness induced by the acute inhalation of aerosol of kerosene in experimental animals and the inflammatory changes induced by subchronic inhalation of the aerosol or smoke of kerosene were investigated. The results obtained indicate that the inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase activity in airways and the decrease in the efficiency of the calcium uptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum are some of the mechanisms involved in the airway hyperreactivity induced by kerosene. The levels of cyclic nucleotides in lungs and trachea and the histamine concentration in blood did not change in the animals exposed to the aerosol of kerosene. The subchronic exposure to vapors of kerosene or its combustion fumes, induced an increase in the activity of lysosomal enzymes in lungs which can be an explanation of the inflammatory response induced in lungs by this agent.