Kerosene intoxication: an experimental approach to the etiology of the CNS manifestations in primates.

Baboons were utilized to investigate the clinicopathologic effects of kerosene, given via various routes, on the primate brain. The animals were divided into five groups: Group 1 - normal controls; Group II - kerosene administered intratracheally; Group III - kersoene injected into the left cardiac ventricle; Group IV - kerosene injected into right carotid artery; Group V - kerosene injected into portal vein. Results indicate that the primate brain is resistent to the direct toxic effects of kerosene. Even when the dose is very large, the microcirculation of the liver and lung filter out sufficient amounts of kerosene to protect the brain from damage. It is assumed that the CNS manifestations following ingestion of kerosene are due to hypoxia secondary to aspiration pneumonia.