Phosphorus burn in primates: a conclusive experimental study of a new specific therapy

Abstract

A conclusive biochemical and histopathological study was carried out on primates being given a phosphorus burn. This was performed in order to test and confirm the non-toxicity of our recently suggested specific treatment for phosphorus burns. Two primates were exposed to an experimental phosphorus burn, the first received the burn only, while the second was treated after the burn. The first animal was killed 5 days after sustaining the burn because of its severe condition; the second animal survived. Biochemical studies of blood and urine samples from both primates taken during the experiment showed marked changes in kidney and liver function, disturbed electrolyte balance and a high incorporation of phosphorus ions into the blood of the first primate. The corresponding values in the surviving primate were normal and no incorporation of phosphorus or copper ions into the blood was observed. The histopathological studies on the dead monkey confirmed the biochemical observations and suggested severe morphological aberration in the kidney, liver, spleen and heart. This cardinal experiment follows up many previous investigations in phosphorus-burned rats. It seems that the suggested therapy alleviates the effects of phosphorus burns and is non-toxic to primates.