Subcutaneous kerosene toxicity in albino rats

Biochemical, histopathological, and hematological parameters were studied in male Wistar rats after repeated subcutaneous administration of commercial kerosene (0.5 ml/kg body wt, 6 days a week) for a period of 35 days. At necropsy, treatment-related increases in the weights of liver, spleen, and peripheral lymph nodes were noted. Correspondingly, there was an increase in DNA, RNA, protein, and lipid contents of liver and spleen. Histopathological examination of liver, spleen, thymus, kidney, adrenal, and lymph nodes revealed treatment-related lesions. Similarly, biochemical indices studied in liver revealed an increase in alkaline phosphatase and a decrease in benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase levels. Furthermore serum cholinesterase, carboxylesterase, and albumin levels were significantly diminished while serum alkaline phosphatase levels were found to be greatly enhanced. The findings might be related as the likely systemic effects in workers upon percutaneous kerosene exposure during work.