Cytologic and biochemical changes in pulmonary washings of guinea pigs exposed to kerosene.

Guinea pigs were exposed to kerosene aerosol and compared to controls exposed to atmospheric air. Kerosene exposure induced cytologic and biochemical changes in the pulmonary washings of guinea pigs. Our results suggest that in chronic exposure to kerosene lung washings can be used as a rapid screening tool to detect the inflammatory response in the lungs.