Induction of acetylcholinesterase inhibition in the guinea pig trachea by kerosene.
The effect of kerosene on in vivo and in vitro tracheal acetylcholinesterase (CHE) activity of guinea pigs has been investigated. Kerosene aerosol administered to guinea pigs during 20 min at a mean concentration of 20.4 mg/l elicited immediately, 1 h and 24 h later tracheal CHE inhibition by 30, 48.8, and 32.3% of control values (p less than 0.05). Kerosene at 1% concentration inhibited significantly, after 1 h of incubation in vitro, the CHE activity by 44.9% of control values. The tracheal CHE inhibition induced by kerosene could actually increase the acetylcholine concentration acting on smooth muscle of airways, and this partially explains the respiratory symptoms which are frequently observed after kerosene intoxication.
D000818:Animals; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007648:Kerosene / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010578:Petroleum / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014132:Trachea / Q000201:enzymology*
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D007648:Kerosene; D010578:Petroleum